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YETEmNARY PRACTICE, 

BEING 

AN ACCURATE AND DETAILED ACCOUNT 

OF TUE 

i'arious $kasts ta fcljklj t|e porse is liable, 



TOGETHER WITH 



THE LATEST MODE OF TEEATMENT. 



TO -WHICH IS ADDED 

AN APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING VETERINARY PHARMACOPOEIA AND VETERINARY 
MATERIA MEDICA. 



VS^RITTEN IN PLAIN ENGLISH, 

JAMES A. WILLIS, Y. S. '^- v i^^^^ 



Thomas Holman, Printer, corner op Centre and White Streets. 

18 7 2. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by 

JAMES A. WILLIS, V. S., 

In tlic Office of tlic Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



■^=', 



PREFACE. 



The chief and only object of this work is a description of the 
external and internal diseases of the horse, with their causes, 
symptoms, treatment and prevention. The author believes that 
he has omitted no disease of any considerable importance. 

In the treatment of disease I have been peculiarly attentive to 
the causes and prevention. As every changed groom, driver and 
location disposes the horse to some particular disease more than 
to others, it is certainly of importance to speak of these facts, in 
order that jjeople may be upon their guard against them. It is 
always better to be warned of the approach of an enemy than to 
be surprised by him, especially where there is a possibility of 
avoiding the danger. 

Though I have endeavored to point out the causes and preven- 
tion of diseases, and to put j^eoijle on their guard against them, 
yet it must be acknowledged that they are often of such a nature 
as to admit of being removed only by their own diligence and 
activity. The domesticated horse is one of the most willing 
slaves ; to serve man is his chiefest joy. He relinquishes all his 
allurements, and devotes his body and strength to our service the 
life-long day, yet when night comes how many there are who 
deny him nourishing food and a comfortable place to rest ! Dx". 
Stewart has truly said, " the stable is his jirison, and the harness 
his chains." Hence, it follows, that the two principal causes of 
his disease are, his living on dry artificial food in the stable, and 
the barbarous treatment he receives at the hand of his owner. 
Nature has it not in her power to remove either. The great power 



IV PREFACE. 

to heal lies in tlie organism of the animal itself. All that art 
can do is to remove the obstacles out of the way of Nature's 
efforts, and let Nature do the work. It is in our power only to 
modify the eiforts of Nature ; the whole requirements of art is to 
remove certain irritations, brutal treatment, changing the food, 
etc. The generality of people lay too much stress upon medi- 
cine, and trust too little to their own endeavors. Though many 
reckon it doubtful whether medicine is beneficial or hurtful to 
the horse, yet they all allow the importance of a proper food in 
diseases. The very appetite of the sick horse proves it. No 
man in his senses ever imagined that a horse, in an inflammation, 
for example, could eat, drink or conduct himself the same as one 
in perfect health. This part of medicine, therefore, is evidently 
founded in nature, and is everywhere consistent with reason and 
common sense. Had men given more attention to this, and 
hunted less after secret remedies, the Veterinary Profession 
could have never become such an object of ridicule. No one 
can imagine, who has not been a witness, how much good a 
well-disposed i^erson may do by only taking care to have such 
wants supplied, and by removing the sick horse from a filthy to a 
warm, clean and well ventilated stable. There certainly cannot 
be a more necessary, a more noble, or a more God-like action, 
than to administer kindly to the wants of such a faithful servant. 
While virtue and religion are known among men this conduct 
will be approved, and while Heaven is just it must be rewarded. 
The veil of mystery which still hangs over the Veterinary 
practice renders it not only a conjectural but even a suspicious, 
art. This has been long ago removed from the other sciences^ 
which induces many to believe that doctoring horses is a mere 
trick, and that it will not bear a fair and candid examination. 
It however, needs only to be better known in order to secure the 
general esteem of mankind. Disguising the practice not only 



hinders its improvement, but exposes the practice to ridicule. I 
do not mean that all men should become Veterinary Surgeons, 
This would be just as ridiculous as it is impossible. But if the 
most of our intelligent farmers had a knowledge of medicine and 
the diseases of their domestic beasts, they would raise the art to 
a higher degree of esteem and perfection in one year than the 
whole faculty could alone in ten ; and, at the same time, they 
would be in a condition to derive from it some of the advantages 
with which it abounds, and guard themselves against the influ- 
ences of superstition and ignorance. 

In order to render the work more complete, and to be of more 
benefit to the horse owner, I have added as an Appendix a Veteri- 
nary Materia Mcdica and Pharmacopmia. If it abounded with 
splendid prescriptions and promised great cures in consequence 
of their use, it would have been more acceptable to many. But 
as medicine can only be administered to assist Nature, I have in 
general given such caution and direction as will be necessary for 
its safe administration. 

The authors to whom I am most obliged are "Horse Owner's 
Cycloj)edia," Mayhew and Stewart. I have in general adopted 
their observations where my own were defective or totally want- 
ing. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTEB I. 

Ancient and Modern History of the Horse. 
Natural History of the Genus Equus.— The Horse of Scripture, 

KNOWN BY THE ISRAELITES AND ARABIANS. — ThE AnCIENT EGYPTIAN 

Horse.— Grecian and Roman Horses.— The Horse of Great Britain. — 

The Horses of the Western Hemisphere The Modern Horse op 

THE United States 1 

CHAPTEK II. 

Of the General Causes of Disease, and How to Prevent 
Them. 

Of Diseased Sire and Dam.— Of In-and-In Breeding.- Of Noxious Va- 
pors. — Dark Stables. — Food and Drink. — Nicking and Docking. — 
Cruel Punishments.— Of Exposure 13 

CHAPTER III. 

Diseases of the Horse. — Inflammations in General. 

Causes op Constitutional Inflammation.— Of Local Inflammation 

Progress and Termination.— Varieties of.— Acute Inflammation. — 

How to Remove Cause.— To Purify the Blood To Allay Pain.— 

Bleeding.— Place and Manner of Bleeding. — Indications op Pulse 

Subacute and Chronic Inflammation 25 

CHAPTER IV. 

Diseases of the Feet. 

Pumice Foot.— Cracked Hoof. — False Quarter. — Seedy Toe.— Tread 
AND Over-Reach.— Quittor.— Thrush.— Corns.— Acute Laminits, or 
Fever in the Feet.— Navicular Disease 31 



CONTENTS. Vll 

CHAPTER V. 

Diseases and Injuries of the Limbs. 

General Remarks. — Bone Spavin. ^Splint. — Ringbone. — Strain of the 
Flexor Tendon. — Sprain of the Back Sinews.— Curb.— Occult Spav- 
in.— Windgalls — Bog Spavin.— TnoROUGH-riN.-CAPPED Knee.— Cap- 
ped Hock.— Capped Elbow 3S 

CHAPTER VI. 

Injuries — Their Nature and Treatment. 

Fistula — Poll-Evil. — Inflamsiation of the Vein.— Open Synovial 
Joints. — Wounds.— Shoulder Sprain.— Strains of the Hip-Joint and 
Stifle. — Dislocation Fractures 43 

CHAPTER VII. 

Diseases of the Eye and Skin. 

Simple Opthalmia. — Spj:cific Opthalmia. — Cataract. — Obstruction in 
THE Lachrymal Duct.— Mange.— Warts.— Tumors.— Swelled Legs. — 
Sit-Tart. — Mallenders and Sallenders. — Cracked Heels, or 
Scratches , 50 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Diseases of the Brain and Nervous System. 

Phrenitis, or Inflammation of tub Brain. — Megrims, or Epilepsy. — 
Blind Staggers. — Sleepy Staggers and Mad Staggers.— Tetanus, or 
Lockjaw. — Paralysis.— Stbinoh alt Sun-Stroke- 57 

CHAPTER IX. 

Diseases of the Nose and Throat. 

Bleeding at the Nose.— Nasal Gleet.— Catarkh. — Epidemic Catarrh 

Sore Throat, or Laryngitis Cough.- Rearing — High Blowing and 

Wheezing.— Bronchocele CG 

CHAPTER X. 

Diseases of the Chest and its Contents. 

Bronchitis, or Lvflammation of the Air Passages.— Pneumonia, or 
Inflammation of the Lungs.— Pleurisy. — Hydrothorix.— Heaves.— 
Spasms of the Diaphragm.- Diseases of tub Heart 73 



VUl CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEE XI. 

Diseases of the Stomach and Bowels. 
Dyspepsia — Bots.— Worms.— Inflammation of the Bowels.— Spasmodic 
Colic. — Flatulent Colic. — Dysentery. — Prolapsus of the Rectum. — 
Paralysis of the Sphincter Muscle Dropsy of the Abdomen.. . 81 

CHAPTEE Xn. 

The Diseases of the Urinary Organs and Organs of 
Generation — both Male and Female. 

Nephritis, or Inflammation of the Kidney's. — Hydrophobia. — Inflam- 
mation of the Bladder. — Calculi.— ILematuria, or Bloody Urine. — 

Diabetes, or Profuse Stalling.- Albuminous Urine Balanitis. — 

Prolapsus of the Uterus 95 

CHAPTEE XIII. 

Constitutional Diseases, Diseases of the Mouth, and 

Marks of Age. 

Fevers.— Glanders.— Farcy. — Lamfass. — Marks op Age 102 

CHAPTEE Xiy. 

Veterinary Pharmacopceia. 
Alteratives.— Anaesthetics. — Anodynes. — Antiseptics. — Antizymotics. 

— Anthelmintics. — Aperients.— Astringents Blisters— Caustics 

Clysters. — Demulcents. — Diaphoretics. — Diuretics. — Embrocations. 
— Expectorants. — Febrifuges. — Lotions. — Stimulants. — Stomachics.— 
Styptics.- Tonics 109 

CHAPTEE XV. 

Miscellaneous Prescriptions for Various Diseases Belonging to 
THE Veterinary Art 117 

CHAPTEE XVI. 

List op Veterinary Drugs, with a Synopsis of their Medical 
Properties and Doses 119 

CHAPTEE XVII. 

Definition op Terms Denoting the Properties of Remedial Agents 125 



CHAPTER I. 

Ancient and Modern History of the Horse. 
Natural History of the Genus Equus The Horse of Scripture, 

KNOWN BY THE ISRAELITES AND ARABIANS ThE AnCIENT EGYPTIAN 

Horse.— Grecian and Roman Horses The Horse op Great Britain 

The Horses of the Western Hemisphere. — The Modern Horse ok 
the UNiTiiD States. 

There are few subjects of animated nature that have 
engaged the attention of the most eminent naturalists 
more than the genus Equus, to which the horse and ass, 
with their hybrid progeny, and zebra are assigned. In 
the chissification adopted by modern natural historians, 
they belong to the division Verlebrata : class Mamvialia ; 
tribe Ungulatia ; order Pachydermatia ; family Solepedia ; 
and genus Equus. Their dental formula is as follows : 
incisors I ; canine or dog teeth, (in the males only), \ \ ; 
molars ' \ ; total, 40 teeth. 

Liuneus, with a view to establish, by new arguments, 
his theory of the sexual system of plants, has illustrated 
their generation by pursuing the chain of nature from the 
animal to the vegetable kingdom, and has taken a promi- 
nent example from the mule and hinny. He says, from 
the mare and male ass proceeds the mule, which, in its 
nature, that is, in its medullary substance, nervous sys- 
tem and strength, is latent in, and derived from, the mare. 
But in its cortical substance and outward form, in its ears, 
mane and tail, resembles the ass. Between the female ass 
and the horse the hinny is produced, whose nature or medul- 
lary substance, resembles that of the ass, but in outward 
shape and cortical structure, that of the horse. According 
1 



ii ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 

to Pliny, the hinny was not held in much estimation by the 
Romans, and at the present day, they are of no esteem 
either among that people or any other, except tlie Spanish, 
who occasionally breed a few. They are by no means so 
valuable for service as mules. 

Mules have a disposition to propagate, yet notwithstand- 
ing there have been but two or three well authenticated 
instances recorded of their having bred. Dr. Buifon, in his 
researches on the subject, admits that " it is possible for 
both males and females to propagate." He is " confident 
that their parents are of a species distinct from each 
other." He says, " the ass is not a horse degenerated, as 
some suppose. He is neither a stranger, an intruder, nor a 
bastard ; he has, like other animals, his family, his species, 
and his rank. His blood is pure and untainted, and al- 
though his race is less noble, yet it is equally good, 
equally ancient as that of the horse. 

Of all quadruped animals the horse seems the most beau- 
tiful of his noble race The glossy smoothness of his skin, 
the graceful ease of his motions, and the exact symmetry 
of his shape, have taught us to regard him as the first and 
as the most perfectly formed. To have an idea of this no- 
ble animal in his native simplicity, we are not to look for 
him in the pasture or the stables, to which he has been 
consigned by man, but in those wild and extensive plains 
where he ranges without control. It is not, however, in 
the new, but in the old world, that we are to look for the 
horse in a true state of nature — in the extensive deserts of 
Africa, in Arabia, and the wide-spread plains of Tartai'y ; 
in Persia, and between the Caspian sea and the sea of 
Aral. Here is the birthplace of man, and where he still 
remains the most beautiful in countenance and symmetry, 
^lan and the horse have been companions in all ages, and 
probably the horse has been an inhabitant in this limit as- 
signed him by nature — Tartary, Persia, Asia Minor and 



ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 6 

Arabia — since Noah gave him liberty, when the ark rested 
on Mount Ararat. But of all countries in the world where 
the horse runs wild, or is domesticated, Arabia for centu- 
ries has produced the most beautiful, and here, unquestion- 
ably, is the place where the horse was first domesticated. 
Stonehenge would have us believe that he was first domesti- 
cated in Egypt, for the following reasons : that it was not 
until after the Israelites arrived in Egypt that the horse is 
clearly alluded to in the writings of Moses ; that in the 
thirly-second chapter of Genesis, camels, goats, sheep, 
cattle, and asses, are all severally alluded to, but no horse. 
So he considers that it is highly probable that in the time 
of Jacob, whose departure from Laban is there narrated, 
horses were unknown to the Israelites. Jacob, on his 
deathbed, leaves us no room to doubt his knowledge of 
the horse, and of his being domesticated in Egypt, for he 
speaks of the horse and his rider in the same sentence. 
When he was blessing his children, he said unto Dan : 
" Dan shall be a serpent by the way ; an adder in the path, 
that biteth the horse's heels, so that his rider shall fall 
backward." 

This eminent writer goes still farther to prove his the- 
ory, and gives his reasons for so doing ; and I am so far 
from finding fault with him, that I think his performance 
does great honor both to his head and to his heart. He 
hmvever confesses his proof of a negative character. " Six 
hundred years later," he thinks, "Arabia could not have been 
remarkable in any way for her horses, for Solomon, while 
he resorted to her for silver and gold, mounted his cavalry 
from Egypt." Yet he says, " the latter country could scarce- 
ly be the native land of the horse, not possessing the ex- 
tensive plains which are peculiarly suited to bis existence 
in a wild state, and it is considered probable, that he was 
introduced from the central regions of Africa, which are, 
undoubtedly, the native plains of the quagga, the zebra. 



4 ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 

and some other congeners of the horse, but where he is 
not now found in a wild state." " Thence he would natur- 
ally find his way into Egypt, and through Arabia to Per- 
sia, Tarlary and Gi'eece, ultimately reaching Great Britain." 

But I will presently give my reasons, without conjecture, 
for believing that the horse was first domesticated in 
Arabia. To every animal nature has assigned a certain 
range of the earth's surface, within which its wants are 
better provided for and its comfort more secure than in 
any other. Hence, most species, although at liberty to 
change their abode, seldom wander beyond fixed limits. 

For example, the polar bear, which is fitted to endure 
the cold, and to find subsistence in the midst of snow and 
ice, rarely crosses the Arctic circle ; while the monkey, 
which is equally fitted to sustain the heat and to procure 
its food in tropical forests, is scarcely known beyond the 
limit of the fruit-bearing palms. 

But while animals are thus restrained by their necessi- 
ties, they are also kept in check by substantial barriers. 
Seas, deserts, mountain chains, etc., often prevent their 
progress from one country to another. Hence, we not only 
find different fai;nas or assemblages of dissimilar species 
in different climates, but also in separate regions of the 
same climate. The diversity, however, is generally 
greater in the former than in the latter. 

I have already shown that the birthplace of the horse* is 
in the vicinity of Mount Ararat. Tlience he would natur- 
ally wander through Persia, Tartary, and Arabia, ulti- 
mately reaching Egypt, either in a wild or domesticated 
state. 

In Genesis xxxvi. 24, we have Scriptural proof of the 
mule being a natural hybrid, existing in the wildei*ness of 
Idumea about 1840 years before Christ, and over 100 
years before the Israelites arrived in Egypt. And in the 
book of Job, according to Hitchcock's Analysis of the 



ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OP THE HORSE. 

Bible, the oldest book in the world, the first written of all 
the books in the Bible, and the oldest literary production 
in the world, is the Book of Job. This, according to the 
best authorities, was composed by Job himself about 1520 
years before Christ. This is about. 10 years before the 
book of Genesis ; 550 years earlier than Homer ; a thou- 
sand years before Confucius and Solon, and earlier than 
even the very earliest date assigned to the Hindoo Vedas. 
The laud of Uz, where he lived, was east of Palestine, and 
either within that sandy and waste part of Arabia, called 
Arabia Deserta, or in the country of Idumea, not far dis- 
tant. 

Job was not a Jew, but an Arabian Prince ; and in his 
writings, he makes the horse the theme of the most glow- 
ing description and eulogy. His poetic and sublime lan- 
guage will apply to almost any variety that comes up to a 
fair standard of their species. "Hast thou given the 
horse strength ? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder ? 
Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper ? the glory 
of his nostrils is terrible. He paweth in the valley, and 
rejoiceth in his strength ; he goeth on to meet the armed 
men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted ; neither 
turneth he back from the sword. The quiver rattleth 
against him, the glittering spear and the shield. He 
swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage ; neither 
believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. He saith 
among the trumpets. Ha, ha 1 and he smelleth the battle 
afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting." 
The horse is nearly always associated in Holy Writ with 
man, as possessed with the spirit of war, and of great 
fondness for the murderous and guilty pursuit. Jeremiah 
describes his speed, his strength and spirit in battle, in 
language the most expressive : " If thou hast run with the 
footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou 
contend with horses V " I hearkened and heard, but they 



(5 ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 

spake not arig-ht : no man repented him of his wickedness, 
saying, What have I done ? Every one turned to his course, 
as the horse rusheth into the battle." " The snorting of 
his horses was heard from Dan : the whole land trembled 
at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones ; for they 
are come, and have devoui-ed the land, and all that is in it ; 
the city and those that dwell therein." 

When God wrought such a remarkable deliverance for 
his people at the Red Sea, Miriam and all the women of 
Israel, with timbrels and with dances, in their exultant 
song to the Lord for his glorious triumph, the horse is not 
forgotten : " the horse and his rider hath he thrown into 
the sea." Solomon, in his brilliant reign over Israel, had 
horses bi'ought to him from Egypt and from all lands until 
he had four thousand stalls for horses and twelve thousand 
horsemen. 

It appears from sacredhistory, that the horse was a com- 
panion and servant of man in various ways, and that the 
ancients had in use the saddle, bridle, and harness. The 
horse was used for riding, for which see 2 Kings ix. 18 ; 
Est. vi. 8, 9 ; Amos ii. 15. We also read of him in the 
book of Esther, being used for carrying the mail ; and 
he wrote in the King Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with 
the King's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, 
and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries. He 
was also used for driving in the chariot, and great de- 
pendence was placed in the horse in lime of war, and as 
the book of the wars of the Lord, mentioned in Numbers 
xxi. 14, is lost, we may suppose that a brilliant history of 
the horse is lost with it. 

THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN HORSE. 

The ancient Egyptian horse, we know but little of be- 
yond the comparison of Solomon in his Song of Christ's 
love unto the Church : "I have compared thee, my love. 



ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 1 

to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariot ;" and as 
he is handed down to us in some of the sculptures of Nine- 
veh, the carvings of which are in a high state of preserva- 
tion. But in all of these bas-reliefs, the horse is represented 
with a large and coarse head, a high crest, and a heavy 
and lumbering body. 

GRECIAN AND ROMAN HORSES. 

Such was the ravages and anarchy of war for a long 
time in eastern countries, that the whole human race de- 
generated into a state of barbarism. The use of the horse, 
with most all the arts and sciences, was forgotten. 
" Veterinary doctors, however, have been in existence for 
3,000 3'ears in China, and they possess a formal literature." 
" We even hear of statistics of cattle plagues being kept at 
that early period." The above remark occurs in Dr. 
Dobelb's " Reports on the Progress, of Medicine." But the 
eastern horse we know nothing of until Greece and Rome 
broke the chains that bound them, stepped in, and with 
their great voice, commanding silence, and told tlie na- 
tions to come to school and prepare for the real business 
of life. They knew how to enkindle the nations with their 
fire ; how to rule them by their spirit, and how to make 
them partners with themselves in civilization and glory. 
Thus we see them heading the world's march on to a 
civilized life ; and God allowing men to invent modes of 
using the animal, the arts and sciences dawning upon 
men's minds just as they are made able to receive them. 
Greece at first aspired to this great office alone, but 
Greece failed to be what many thought she was destined 
to be, — the world's educator. Greece had one-half century 
of intense brilliancy, but after that marvelous outburst of 
intellectual power, she sank exhausted. She had many of 
the higher requisites for the office to which she aspired, 



O ANCIKNT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 

but she wanted some of the secondary ones. She was too 
little practical, too much impelled by passion, and too 
little guided by principle, to be capable of those long sus- 
tained, persevering and pains-taking eiforts, wliich alone 
could tame the barbarism and enlighten the ignorance of 
the world. Still she did an immense service. Greece 
prepared the elements of the world's education. Her 
schools and academies were the workshops in which were 
forged the living forces, which in the hands of Rome were 
to quicken and vitalize the nations. 

The Greek horse is very well known to us, as his rep- 
resentation is well preserved in the Elgin marbles, and 
Xenophon, that noted Greek historian, gives excellent ad- 
vice on the purchase of a horse. This ingenious people 
invented the snaffle bridle and established the olympian 
games. These games were held every four years, and 
commenced about 114 years B. C, but it was not until 
the twenty-third olympiad that horse-racing was intro- 
duced, and the distance ridden was about four miles. In 
the twenty-fifth olympiad, the chariot was introduced, and 
after this time it became the method of testing the power 
and speed of the Grecian horse. 

Rome, in order to become the master, first became the 
pupil. She sat down at the feet of Greece, and the truths 
which the Athenian intellect had elaborated, Rome re- 
ceived ; and grafting them upon her own more practical 
genius, she entered into the office which Greece, after a 
glorious commencement, had been compelled to vacate. 
Rome's iron hand bent the nations to her yoke, and her 
master mind moulded them into her image. It was a 
great and a difficult task, — and truly Italy deserves well 
of the world for having rendered it. It cost her the 
thought of her writers, the toil of her legislators, and the 
blood of her warriors. The Roman horse must have been 
of rather an inferior grade, for no sooner were the Roman 



ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. y 

cavalry brought into warfare with the cavalry of Mace- 
donia and that of CaBsar's, mounted upon French horses, 
tlian they were conquered. This defeat could only have 
been tl»e fault of the horse, for the bravery of the Roman 
infantry was still a dread to the surrounding- nations. 
The curb-bit was invented by the Romans ; they also in- 
vented a kind of sandal, sometimes tipped with iron, for 
the protection of the foot in case of lameness. 

THE HORSE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 

When the Romans invaded Great Britain, they found 
the people in possession of horses ; but we have no reliable 
history of the British horse until the reign of the Stuarts, 
when attention was first paid to the improvement of the 
breed. The British has since then been in possession of 
some celebrated horses. Sir Robert Bruce, who so nobly 
defended the liberties of Scotland, rode in February, 1306, 
from London to Lochmaben Castle, in Dumfriesliire, in five 
days. Dick Turpin's Black Bess also performed some 
wonderful feats. But it is not without great assiduity 
and repeated trials of all the best horses in all the diifer- 
ent parts of the world, that the British horses have 
attained their present high superiority. A British horse 
is known to excel the Arabian in size and swiftness ; to 
be more durable than the Barb., and more hardy than the 
Persian. An ordinary racer is ascertained to go at the 
rate of a mile in two minutes, and we had one instance in 
the admirable Childers, of still greater rapidity. He has 
been frequently known to move eighty-two feet in a second, 
or almost a mile in a minute. He ran round the course of 
Newmarket, which is little less than four miles, in six 
minutes and forty seconds. Few horses have since been 
found that could equal him, and those of his breed have 
been remarkably deficient. To William the Conqueror, 
1* 



10 ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 

history ascribes the introduction of the practice of shoeing 
and the stirrup into Great Britain, whence they have 
remained nutil the present time. 

THE HORSES OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. 

The wild horses of America are of Spanish origin, and 
entirely of the Andalnsian breed. Introduced here, accord- 
ing to Azara, in the year 1535, and in the year 1537, sev- 
eral were shipped to Paraguay. From these have been 
bred the couutless herds which have since spread over the 
whole southern part of America, and passing the Isthmus 
of Panama, have wandered into Mexico, California, Texas, 
and the western plains wherever they are suitable to him. 

These wild horses, as I am informed, greatly resemble 
their Spanish ancestors in make and shape. Tliey are said 
to be possessed of a fair amount of speed, but not above 
the average of foreign breeds. From their roving habits, 
they are in excellent wind, and it is said that one fresh 
caught, can be ridden nearly a hundred miles without 
drawing bit. 

In Mr. Herbert's cursory allusion to the Mustang, he 
gives it as his belief, that he is the origin of the Indian 
pony in common with the Canadian horse. I will not 
weary my readers with a description of these two breeds, — 
they are so well known, that a description here is un- 
necessary. But I shall at once proceed to allude to the 
modern domesticated horse met with in the United States. 

THE MODERN HORSE OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The position the United States has attained for cele- 
brated horses they entirely owe to England, the parent 
countr}'. But from some source, a fountain of disease 
has sprung that is deluging both England and America 
with its dreadful virus. Disease and degeneracy are ter- 



ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 11 

ribly on the increase, and I strongly suspect, that before 
long, both will have to procure from some source, sound 
horses of high breeding for their studs. 

In England, the progress of improvement was greatly 
accelerated by a seasonable infusion of Arabian and 
Barbaric blood. The bred horse, standing in respect of the 
equine race as the capital on the Corinthian Pillar, has 
reached a point of perfection, that if it can be kept up, we 
can hardly dare hope will ever be excelled. 

According to Mr. Herbert, we may show how largely 
the Americans are indebted to England for thorough- 
breds. Between the years 1691 and 1840 there were 
nearly 300 horses imported for stud purposes. Nearly all 
the great trotting horses of America have come of one 
blood, that of Messenger, an English horse, imported into 
New York in 1788. 

The pedigree of this horse can be traced directly back to 
the Darly Arabian, who was the sire of Flying Childers, 
and to the Cade mare, who was a granddaughter of the 
Godolphin Arabian. He was^therefore of the best English 
thorough-bred racing stock. 

All accounts concur in representing Messenger as a horse 
of beautiful form and extraordinary endurance. Asa proof, 
a groom, who saw him land, loved to relate, that the three 
companions of Messenger became so reduced by their long 
voyage, that they had to be supported down the gang-plank, 
but when it came Messenger's turn, he, with a loud neigh, 
charged down the gang-plank, with a colored groom on each 
side, dashed up the street on a furious trot, dragging the 
negroes after him, and resisting all their efforts to bring 
him to a stand-still. 

Messenger was a beautiful gray, fifteen hands and three 
inches high, and stoutly built, with a short straight neck, 
and a large bony head ; his loins and hind quarters pow- 
erfully muscular ; his windpipe and nostrils of unusual 



12 ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE HORSE. 

size ; his hocks and knees very large ; limbs of medium 
size, but flat and clean. 

Messenger lived to be twenty-eight years old. For fif- 
teen years he was owned in the neighborhood of New York, 
and was held in such estimation that he probably left a 
more illustrious name chiefly for his trotting and running 
descendants, a more numerous family than any horse that 
has ever lived. Those best acquainted with the subject 
do not hesitate to estimate his value to the country at one 
hundred millions of dollars. The sons of Messenger, to 
wliich nearly all the fast trotters of the present day trace 
their pedigree, were Plato, Engineer, Commander, Why- 
Not, Mount Holly, Mambrino, and Hambletonian. 

There have been several other horses imported from 
England, which have contributed largely to the improve- 
ment of the breed, such as Bellfounder, Diomed, Whip, 
Trustee, Glencoe, Margrave, and Arabian Grand Bashaw, 
but not one has produced an illustrious trotter without a 
cross from Messenger. 

It is not our design to give the pedigrees of these famous 
horses in this brief outline of history. It is with the horse 
as we find him in America, that we have to do in this work ; 
not the general history of his races, pedigrees and per- 
formances, but the history of his diseases, their causes and 
cures, rational and generous rules for his treatment and 
general improvement. 



CHAPTEE II. 

Of the General Causes of Disease, and How to Prevent 
Them, 

Of Diseased Sire and Dam.— Of In-and-In Breeding.— Op Noxious Va- 
pors. — Dark Stables. — Food and Drink. — Nicking and Docking. — 
Cruel Punishments. — Op E.kposure. 

The history of the horse affords us no evidence that 
there has been any improvement in the race since the days 
of Job, who describes the Eastern liorse in language un- 
equaled for poetic beauty and vigor. The Arabs have al- 
ways had the finest horses in the world, and their great 
affection for them has been most remarkable. Among no 
people, says Dr. Stewart, has the art of breeding and 
training the horse been carried to such perfection as 
among the wandering tribes of the desert, and nowhere 
else has there "been such freedom from disease, unless it 
be among the wild horses of America. It is not, then, ne- 
cessary to have civilization nor education to have good 
horses and have them enjoy good health. Disease and de- 
generacy have kept pace with the efforts of civilized man, 
in trying to improve the breed by in-and-in breeding, man- 
agement and cruel treatment. 

or DISEASED SIRE AND DAM. 
The better to trace diseases from their original causes, 
we shall take a view of the common method of raising the 
foal. In this period of their lives, the foundations of a 
good or bad constitution are generally laid. It is there- 
fore important to the farmer who raises a few colts every 
year to be well acquainted with the various causes which 



14 ON THE GENERAL CAUSES OF DISEASE, 

may injui-e their health. The wild horse is an heir to no 
disease whatever, and it may seem strange that man, not- 
withstanding his superior reason, should fall so far short 
of the wild horse in the management of the young animal 
entrusted to his care. But our siirprise will soon cease, if 
we consider that the wild horse, guided by natural instinct, 
never errs in this respect, while man, trusting solely to 
art, is seldom right. 

The health and constitution of the foal depends greatly 
upon that of the sire and dam. It would be as reasonable 
to expect a rich crop from barren soil, as that strong and 
healthy foals should be produced of a sire or dam whose 
constitutions have been worn out with hard Labor or dis- 
ease. We know that the illustrious trotter cannot be bred 
out of the cat-hamed foundered jade. This is settled upon 
immutable laws. We know that many of our farmers 
raise foals from such mares, and even .during her preg- 
nancy and the time she is nursing her young, they work 
her still, and perhaps, not half fed. They do not con- 
sider, for a moment, that she has two lives to support 
instead of one. Is it consistent with natural laws and 
common sense, that slie can bring into the world and 
raise a strong and healthy fjal ? The man who raises 
foals from a limping, sickly constitutioned mare, and do- 
ing all in his power, by abusing her, to have this dread- 
ful inheritance transmitted to her offspring, whatever his 
views may be, it cannot be said that he acts a prudent 
part. A lame, sickly constitutioned mare may prove fer- 
tile ; should this be the case, her whole family must be- 
come an infirmary. What prospects of profit the stock- 
raiser can have of raising sucli colts we shall leave any 
one to judge. 

The question of feeding the mare while with foal is one 
of the first importance. Here does the adage apply that 
like produces like. The soil must be rich. The mare must 



AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM. 



15 



receive the feed and attention Lev condition demands, or it 
is unreasonable to look for a strong- and healthy foal. 

The same law applies equally well to the stallions, yet in 
our country the stallions are generally very good. Tliey 
are usually selected from the best colts, and nearly all of 
them, when not abused, and turned to good mares, produce 
very fine foals. The great eviHs in the destructive policy of 
the ignorant knave who adopts the lazy lounging work of 
traveling the country with a stallion. The majority of 
these fellows keep the stallion in order to scrape together 
a few more of the almighty dollars. If it is in their power, 
they will turn their stallion to three or four mares a day. 
By these excesses, the seminal fluid of the horse must be- 
come weak and watery, and if the mares conceive, their 
offspring must be loose, flabby jointed, long-legged, worth- 
less animals. But what does he care, so long as he can 
find two or three fine foals to take to the country fair, 
there to exhibit as specimens of the excellent foal-getting 
qualities of his horse. AVhat does he care for the improve- 
ment of horses, if he can, by fair oi- foul means, keep up 
the reputation of his horse, in order to secure a good pa- 
tronage the next season, or how much the next generation 
of horse-flesh suffers by his wickedness. This is a system 
that causes a blight and mildew upon one of the most im- 
portant interests of the farmer. This is an evil of a com- 
plicated kind and political mischief, and therefore requires 
a public consideration. Indeed, to this, all wise legislators^ 
ought to have a special regai'd. 

The perfect model of the Arabian horse is unquestiona- 
bly due to their great care of selection, and who, from be- 
ing unmixed with any variety of the same species, the 
stallions also have never been disproportioned in size to 
the mares. It is also said that they allow no stallion to 
cover a mare unless he has been approved by a public in- 
spector. It is feasible to suppose that the blood of the 



16 ON THE GENERAL CAUSES OF DISEASE, 

Arabian horse is just as pure and untainted as it was in 
the days of old. Indeed, there can be but little doubt on 
the subject, if we admit the fact, as Mr, Pomeroy, in 
his prize essay on the mule, suggests, that " the habits, 
manners and pursuits of the descendants of Ishmael have 
continued with scarcely an iota of variation, from the day 
they took rank among the nations of the earth." " The posi- 
tion," he says, "is greatly strengthened by the information 
he received from an intelligent traveler of undoubted ve- 
racity, who had visited Arabia." Mr. Pomeroy understood 
from him that the Arabs were as tenacious of preserving 
the pedigrees of their horses as the most careful breeder 
for the turf of England. The descent of some of their 
horses they trace to the numerous studs of that wise and 
magnificent king, Solomon. In breeding horses we would 
do well to imitate the example of these half civilized de- 
scendants of Ishmael. 

OF IN-AND-IN EREEDING. 

For the improvement of stock two modes of breeding 
have been practiced : one, by selecting males and females 
of the same family-blood relations, called in-and-in breed- 
ing ; the other, by males and females from different fami- 
lies of the same species, called crossing the breed. The 
former must be denounced in language the most expres- 
sive. This is the true reason why we so rarely see the 
descendants of imported stock in this country equal the 
originals. In-and-ia breeding tells in man as well as in 
beast ; the same law governs both. When blood relations 
intermarry, their offspring are generally malformed, scrofu- 
lous, idiots, or a host of other ills that they maybe heir to, 
by such an imprudent union. 

The continual in-and-in breeding of the descendants of 
Messenger would probably have resulted in the extinction 
of the stock, but for the timely ci'oss with the descendants 



AND IKiW TO PREVKNT THEM. 17 

of Diomed and othei* imported horses. Messenger himself 
had a remarkably strong constitution, and it was trans- 
mitted to his inbred progeny for a number of generations 
but very little impaired. Yet the hardest flint will wear 
away, and so has the constitution of Messenger. 

It seems to be in accordance with Nature's law that all 
the conditions of the wild horse favor continual outcross- 
ings rather than in-and-in breeding. The males and fe- 
males would be of nearly equal numbers. From their 
roving habits, they would naturally squander into other 
herds before they were old enough to breed, and each 
stallion will contend for and obtain some sexual inter- 
course. 

The good effects of crossing the breed results only in 
cases where the mare is larger than the stallion. In this 
way the English raised such excellent draught horses, 
crossing with the small stallions imported from Arabia 
and the Barbary States and the large mares from Flanders 
and Lombardy. 

But where they turned small mares to large stallions 
there was untold mischief done by producing a race of 
long-legged, flabby jointed, narrow-chested worthless 
brutes. 

The keeping of animals in a plethoric condition is as 
highly deleterious to their progeny as stinting them of 
nutrition. Dr, McClure says, " when the conditions of 
life depress and retard the development of plants or ani- 
mals they become more prolific, because their ofTspi-ing 
will come into being under circumstances unfavorable to 
the continuance of their existence, and Nature equalizes 
the chance by producing more of them." It is in accord- 
ance with this law that fat and idle animals are not 
sure to breed, that families living on the luxuries of life for 
a few generations have but few or no children. We 
often see the poor surrounded by a numerous proge- 



IB ON THE GENERAI, CAUSES OP DISEASE, 

ijy, while the pampered rich pine ia sorrow without 
a single heir to their vast domains. 

OF NOXIOUS VAPORS. 

It has long been known that fresh air is more immedi- 
ately necessary to life than food. We may live two or 
three days without the latter, but not many minutes with- 
out the former. The vivifying principle contained in the 
atmosphere, here so essential to the support of flame as 
well as animal life, is nothing else but that pure oxygen 
discovered by that ingenious philosopher. Dr. Priestly. 
This being exhaled in copious sti-eams from the green 
leaves of all kinds of vegetation, accounts, in a great 
measure, why the horse is so much healthier in the 
country than in some of the vaults assigned him in the 
city, where they are nothing but a nursery of disease and 
misery to their inmates, where the air, instead of partak- 
ing so largely of this salutary impregnation, is daily con- 
taminated with noxious animal eflSuvia. 

If the reader has visited these places, he knows too 
well the holes that man compels his willing servant to live 
in. When we see man begrudging his valuable slave the 
space in which its useful body rests, we can assign but 
little credit to his human nature ; but some men, with 
their fancies, are tyrants without mercy, but a heart alive 
only to villainy and ingratitude. Here is a practical proof 
of the Proverb of Solomon, that " A righteous man re- 
gardeth the life of his beast, but the tender mercies of the 
wicked are cruel." Many of these stables are undrained- 
stalls, seldom more than four feet wide, and frequently the 
light and air is admitted only by the doorway, with a pile 
of heating, steaming manure laying at one side. The 
volatile gas of ammonia is so strong, that the water will 
be brought into a man's eyes as soon as he enters, and 
what must be the effect upon the eyes of the poor horse 



AND now TO PPvEVENT THEM. 19 

compelled to live amid these vapors for days and weeks 
together. 

DARK STABLES. 

The deficiency of light is pei-haps a still more serious 
evil to the horse's eyes than tlie noxious vapors, and one 
that contributes nearly as large to his general diseases. 
Light is essential to the health of both body and mind of 
man, and the physical system of the horse demands it 
equally as much as he. Light imparts to vegetation the 
essential qualities which nothing else can. Is it strange, 
therefore, that the eye suffers from terrible diseases when 
deprived of light, its natui-al element. God, the all-wise 
Creator, saw fit in his infinite wisdom, to furnish light to 
rule the day, and during that time, all living should be 
permitted to enjoy it freely. Dr. Buchan cautions people 
not to venture into subterranean vaults, or coal-pits that 
have been long shut up, until the air has been sufficiently 
purified ; but in the name of every consideration of mercy, 
gratitude, and self-interest, that there were gunpowder 
enough burned under each and every one of these stables 
to blow them to atoms, so that nothing remained biit the 
history of their existence in a past barbarous age, is an 
end that should be devoutly wished for. 

FOOD AND DRINK. 
Though hay and oats are allowed to be the best cal- 
culated for supporting the horse in health while in the 
stable, yet it can not be doubted but changed food may be 
safely given occasionally, provided their appetites are re- 
strained within the bounds of temperance. We find that 
by the wonderful powers of the digestive organs, a va- 
riety of vegetable substances, of very discordant prin- 
ciples, are happily assimilated and blend into one chyle. 
Therefore it seems natural to distrust those cynical fel- 



20 ON THE GENERAL CAUSES OF DISEASE, 

lows who would rigidly confine the horse to one simple 
dish, hay and oats, from one year's end to the other. It 
is no wonder that we frequently hear those men complain- 
ing that their horse is off his feed. To such, let us say 
emphatically, change his food to chopped feed, carrots, tur- 
nips, potatoes, and the like, which he will eat with decided 
advantage ; every horse that is kept in the stable should 
have a green feed once a day. 

The horse prior to domestication, might not find in 
every spot an abundance of excellent fodder ; but then he 
was at liberty to seek a better fare in another place. His 
food was the grass of the prairie, and his drink, that mild 
insipid water of the brook which nature has pointed out to 
him as his universal beverage Man has taken away all 
power of choice. He violently usurps Nature's province, 
and adopts her obligations. Many times the horse, driven 
far and fast, is brought home by the master, sweating 
at every pore. In this condition he is allowed by some a 
little food and drink, and by others nothing, until he has 
cooled off. What cruel folly, to tax the powers and stint 
the body. We never knew a horse injured by eating and 
drinking moderately of lukewarm water while steaming 
from a fast drive ; but warming the water is too much 
trouble for the groom, and the master has so little mercy 
and interest for his horse's welfare, that he don't see that 
it is carried out. It is a grievous sin to seize on life, and 
to neglect the slave you hold in captivity, by trusting the 
fulfillment of the responsibilities to a careless groom. 
Where we claim the horse's existence as property, and 
force him to wear it out in our labor, truly the very least 
obligation we could owe him, should be the provision of 
comfortable stables and nourishing food. We believe 
that the usual way of preparing cut feed, cut hay, corn, 
and oat-meal, mixed witii warm water, is the most eco- 
nomical and healthy food that can be given ; this, with an 



AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM. 21 

occasional change of green food, comes nearer the moist 
grass which kind nature furnishes, and it don't task the 
salivary glands as much as when eating dry food. If this 
course was pursued, our stables would be visited with 
fewer diseases. 

NICKING AND LOCKING. 

We are thankful that the abuses of nicking and dock- 
ing, cutting and slitting the ears, is, by men of feeling, 
being so disgusted with these barbarities, very much on 
the wane. These tortures would be willingly not re- 
marked upon, but to the shame of our race, there still lin- 
gers a few with such wicked tastes, in our country, that 
the most perfect specimens of the Creator's handiwork 
don't please them ; however, they are nothing daunted, 
but set to work to make improvements, by resorting to 
the horrible practice of nicking and docking. In nicking 
and docking the hoi'se which is the subject of such shock- 
ing cruelties, not only is he deprived of part of his tail, 
but several deep cross cuts is made in the remainder of 
the under side, that the muscles by which it is erected and 
depressed are forever destroyed, and then a cord is fas- 
tened to the hair, and being carried over a pully attached 
to the ceiling, the tail is kept drawn up over the back by 
a weight at its end, stretching the sore and inflamed tail 
as much as the bones will bear without breaking ; in this 
state of suffering, he must remain for two or three weeks 
without any change, or until the wounds heal, when the 
nicking is completed. Dr. Youatt remarks, that in Eng- 
land, when cutting the ears was so fashionable, horses 
would eventually be born with short ears, but it would be 
as feasible to expect, that if Mr. Bergh, the President of 
the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 
would extend his authority over the length and breadth of 
our land and prevent these barbarous cruelties, a similar 



22 ON THE GENERAL CAUSES OF DISEASE, 

event would occur as happened in Balaam's time, the 
horse's mouth would be opened to bless him. 

CRUEL PUNISHMENTS. 

It is amazing how much purposed wickedness and cru- 
elty there is exhibited in the maltreatment of the horse by 
some men. They are continually torturing the poor ani- 
mal which is so imfortunate as to fall into their hands. 
Many appear to find one of their dearest delights in pulling 
the reins up tight, standing up in their wagon, and for 
minutes continue lashing the poor creature that is hitched 
to the load, and comparatively at his mercy. Surely, the 
reader, if not utterly lost to the feelings of humanity, must 
have seen such lashings inflicted upon the horse as would 
make the blood run cold in his veins. Such tyrants as 
those referred to above, imagine they have found some 
reason for their outrages, and it is impossible to tell the 
mischief they may do by the cruelties of which their vi- 
cious natures are full. In dealing out their curses, kicks 
and blows, they feel happy when they discover a tender 
place. The lash curls about the face ; now it cuts the 
lips, where the sense of touch resides ; the pain is severe. 
The horse shakes his head, striving to avoid a repetition, 
but all to no purpose ; the lash is applied again, and truly 
it lights upon the eye. " It is as sport to a fool to do mis- 
chief ; but a man of understanding hath wisdom." But 
what a severe retribution they are provoking 1 So sure as 
Heaven is just, such sins will be punished. " Blessings 
are upon the head of the just, but violence covereth the 
mouth of the wicked." When God, in His sovereign wis- 
dom, ci-eated us with dominion over the beasts, He en- 
j(jined on us a corresponding obligation : that of protector 
and provider. In showing kindness to them, is in obedi- 
ence and gratitude to Him ; and while these considera- 
tions teach us to be merciful, do they not impress the ad- 



AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM. 23 

monition, " Ye, therefore, who love mercy, teach your sons 
to love it too ?" 

OF EXPOSURE. 

No one can look upon a horse suffering from cold, with- 
out feeling that in sensibilities, at all events, the two 
creatures are alike. Dr. Mayhew remarks, " that sympathy 
has been interpreted to mean no more than a conscious 
similarity of emotions," and we must agree with him in 
saying that such a definition is erroneous, or more sympa- 
thy would actuate man towards his slave. There are 
many men, and it is something for which we are very 
thankful that their number is constantly increasing, who 
are very careful of, and kind to their horses, who know 
the advantages of comfortable stables and of warm blan- 
kets, at the proper time. Such give a striking example of 
the Scriptural proverb, that " a righteous man regardeth 
the life of his beast." But this class does not embrace 
all horse-owners. " The tender mercies of the wicked are 
cruel." 

Surely, the reader must have seen the horse taken out 
of the stable on a wintry day, to stand for an uncertain 
period before his master's door, there to remain, shivering 
in the storm, until it suits his owner's convenience. Next, 
he is driven along till foaming with perspiration ; then, 
perhaps, drawn up in front of a hotel, tied to the post, there 
to remain, generally unprotected, in the cold, until some 
business is transacted or while another glass is drained to 
good friendship. During all this time, the horse, his faith- 
ful servant, stands at the door, facing the pelting storm, 
awaiting his arrival ; and when he does leave the blazing 
fire and his jovial companions, need it be wondered that 
the horse should look around with a piteous look, implor- 
ing the tyrant for better treatment ? 

Let the reader reflect upon this, and say who would be 



24 ON THE GENERAL CAUSES OF DISEASE. 

the guilty party were the horse taken with some violent 
disease. Surely, it is work of the master's doing. But 
he will not for a moment, try to connect the effect with a 
cause where he is to blame. But come with me, and let 
us counsel together. " Without counsel purposes are dis- 
appointed ; but in the multitude of counselors, they are 
established." A common cold is a disease of too mild a 
type to be begot by so harsh a parent. The same expos- 
ure would have been a sufficient cause for a death-bed in 
your own case ; and, as the horse's physical being is gov- 
erned by the same natural laws as your's, is it strange, 
therefore, that Nature will oppose such arrogance, and, 
relieving the life by death, takes the abused horse from 
the tyranny of your oppression ? 

There cannot be a more noble or a more God-like action 
than to obey the Divine injunction, " Thou shalt not muz- 
zle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." Lev. 
xxii. 28. " And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not 
kill it and her young both in one day." Deut. xxii. 7. 
" But thou shalt, in any wise, let the dam go, and take 
the young to thee, that it may be well with thee, and that 
thou niayest prolong thy days." The rebelling against 
these commands must be a grievous sin against God, who 
made man to have dominion over the work of His hands, 
while the obeying of them will be esteemed as long as vir- 
tue and religion are known among men, and a just God 
will reward them at last. 



OHAPTEE III. 

Diseases of the Horse. — Inflammations in General. 

Causes of Constitutional Inflammation.— Of Local Inflammation 

Progress and Tbkmination Varieties op Acute Inflammation. 

How to Eemove Cause.— To Purify the Blood To Allay Pain.— 

Bleeding.— Place and Manner of Bleeding.— Indications of Pulse 

Subacute and Chronic Inflammation. 

In the majority of diseases to which horses are liable, 
inflammation, local or constitutional, of different parts of the 
body, either internal or external, is the prominent symp- 
tom, and is the foundation of most, often constituting the 
disease itself, and sometimes being the beginning or the 
ending of other diseases. The frequent occurrence, and ' 
also the dangerous and often deadly consequnnces of in- 
I flammation, require the greatest possible knowledge of the 
most important events by which they are indicated, and 
for this reason the same shall be here amply and fully de- 
scribed. 

j CAUSES AND VAEIETIES OF INFLAMMATIONS. 

The causes are of two kinds — Constitutional ajid Lo- 
cal — of which the former deserves the precedence, inas- 
much as without appropriate blood material no inflamma- 
ticm can be perpetuated. 

The constitutional causes may be of the most 
opposite kind, although they all have the common 
property of rendering the blood impure. Excess of 
stimulating food, deficiency of food, inactivity' and 
respiration of close air in dark, filthy stables, or 
over-driving and fatijiue ; imperfect action of the kid- 
neys and skin, besides the poisons of decaying animal 



'^b DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

matter ; glanders or other diseases which arc epidemic, 
endemic, contagious or sporadic, which are produced by 
some morbific principle acting on the organism similar to 
a ferment. Continued exposure may disorder the whole 
blood and bring on general inflammation of the part 
chiefly subjected to it, or local inflammation. 

The local causes are injuries and abuses of all kinds, 
whether from over-driving and excessive wear and tear, 
or fi'om mechanical injuries of all sorts. For instance, a 
blow upon any part, if sufficiently severe, will cause in- 
flammation of that part. Yet injury of is not of necessity 
followed by inflammation ; on the contrary, nature may go 
on quietly and make the repair, unless the blood of the in- 
jured horse be in a state inadequate to furnish healthy re- 
parative material, or unless the injury be such as to de- 
stroy the life of certain tissues, (as poisoned wounds), or 
if nature be hindered by an open jagged wound that can- 
not be closed, or by the ill-treatment of wounds such as 
interfere with the exuded matter or hinders its develop- 
ment. 

PROGRESS AND TERMINATION. 

Inflammation once established may destroy life, either 
by obstructing the functions of some organ necessary to 
life, as the heart, lungs or brain, or by quick exhaustion, 
as in inflammation of the abdominal and thoric organs, or 
by slower exhaustion from suppuration. 

Inflammations terminate by resolution, eff"usion, suppura- 
tion, callosity, mortification or gangrene. By resolution 
is meant that the parts return to their natural condition. 
By eff'usion, that blood may be thrown out from the soft 
parts, as from mucus membranes ; that serum or colorless 
pait of the blood may be thrown out by serous membranes, 
which often form adhesions. By suppuration, when 
abscesses are formed containing matter ; this may take 



I 



INFLAMMATIONS IN GENERAL. 21 

pi. ICO upon the surface, such as boils, fistula, poll-evil and 
(juittor. By callosity, whenever a part remains in a hard- 
ened, enlarged and stififened state after an inflammation 
of the same has subsided ; such a callosity is nearly al- 
ways the consequence of exudation of fibrous matter re- 
maining- as a deposit in the previously inflamed part. 
By mortification, when death of the parts takes place ; in 
this case, if the parts are sufiSciently extensive or if it is 
an internal part, death of the whole body, if not relieved, 
is the result. 

VARIETIES OF INFLAMMATION. 

Of the varieties of inflammation, we shall confine our- 
selves to three, namely : Acute, Subacute, and Chronic. 
Such varieties depend on the cause and on the kind of con- 
stitution. 

Acute inflammation is that which runs through its 
course quickly, sudden in its origin, violent in its action, 
and rapid in producing some one of the so-called effects of 
inflammation. 

Treatment : Generally speaking, we should say, that 
the indications are, 1. To remove the cause. 2. To purify 
the blood from the source of morbid eff"usion. 3. To al- 
lay and soothe the pain in the injured part. 4. To mod- 
erate the afflux of blood. 5. To hinder degeneration of 
the fluids exuded and procure their absorption. 

We shall proceed to speak in this order of the means 
by which each indication may be fulfilled : 

1 . To Remove Causes. — The taking away of any irrita- 
ting substances, such as nails, slivers, stones and dirt, and 
placing the injui'ed part under such conditions that na- 
ture in repairing the damage shall not be disturbed. 

2. To Purify the Blood. — In most cases, and more espe- 
cially, if the bowels are costive, the urine scanty, or of a 
milky appearance, a dose of six drachms Barbadoes aloes, 



28 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

one-half drachm carbonate of soda ; dissolve in one pint 
bulling water ; when cool enough to administer, add 
twelve drops oil caraway, and give as a drench. 

3. To Allay the Pain of the Affected Part. — This is the 
most important part in the prevention and treatment of 
inflammation. All pain and sense of injury should be 
soothed, if possible. For this purpose warm fomenta- 
tions are particularly advisable. Take warm water one 
quart, and add extract belladonna four drachms, or foment 
with strong warm decoction of poppies. Should the horse 
be nervous and uneasy, rest in any position should be 
sought for, and for this purpose anodynes are of the great- 
est value. Take chloroform one ounce, tinct. opium one- 
half ounce, mix in half pint water, and give as a drench. 
This will save the horse from the exhaustion of pain and 
spasm, and prevent local congestion. 

4. To Moderate the Afflux of Blood. — Since the increased 
flow of blood to the affected part and its stagnation there- 
in are leading phenomena in acute inflammation, hence it 
is not strange that means for controlling this flow are of 
the very highest importance, and for this purpose bleeding 
is the only guarantee to the practitioner's success. 

Bleeding is a measure life-giving in its proper use, and 
deadly if abused. But because our forefathers abused the 
practice is no reason why it should not be sometimes use- 
ful. Because it is not fashionable to bleed is no reason 
why it should not be valuable. Tliis point is very clearly 
stated by Dr. Tilt : " No pathologist denies that hydraulic 
effects are produced by bleeding, and that by diminishing 
the quantity of blood we slacken the energy with which it 
flows to some particular organ, and thereby diminish the 
liability to congestion." It lessens the labor of the heart 
and lungs, and allows the remaining blood to be oxygen- 
ated and purified by natural influences ; it also promotes 
the action of the skin and bowels. 



I 



INFLAMMATIONS IN GENERAL. 



29 



Place and Manner of Bleeding. — The proper place to 
bleed is in the jugular veiu, about two inches down the 
neck, from where the two branches of the vein unite. In 
local inflammation, blood-letting from a vein near the in- 
jured part may be done with decided advantage. 

TJie Manner of Bleeding. — This operation is so simple 
that none need have any fears about undertaking it. A 
small cord should be drawn tightly around the neck, about 
six inches below the place where the orifice is to be made ; 
as the vein fills cut smooth the hair so it may lie close 
and straight with the vein. Then blindfold the hoi'se on 
the side the blood is to be drawn. Now lay a broad- 
shouldered fleam lengthwise and in the centre of the vein, 
holding it in the left hand, and, with a hard piece of 
wood in the right hand, strike the fleam with sufficient 
force to cut into the vein. The orifice should be large, so 
that the blood may be drawn as quickly as possible. Al- 
ways bleed to attack the disease by causing a sudden 
reaction, for if the blood runs slowly so that the ves- 
sels have time to adapt themselves to their diminished 
contents, the bleeding may be continued almost to death 
without deriving any benefit. Permit the blood to flow 
till lividity about the eyes, fluttering pulse, and relief of 
pain indicate faintness, but never bleed the horse till he 
is ready to fall. This should always be avoided. 

The Place to feel the Pidse, and hoio it should beat to indi- 
cate Bleeding. — The pulse is easily found upon the under 
side of the lower jawbone. Here the submaxillary artery 
crosses over the edge of the bone and feels like a small 
cord under the skin. In health the pulsations are slow 
and soft, beating from thirty-five to forty beats in the 
minute ; muscular or nervous excitement from fast driv- 
ing, fear or other causes, will quicken the pulse from ten 
to fifteen beats in the minute. The horse should be per- 
ifectly quiet when feeling the pulse. 



30 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

A quick throbbing pulse indicates inflammation ; bleed 
freely. Hard pulse, feverish excitement ; bleed freely. 
Full corded pulse : skin, hair and eyes showing a de- 
ranged condition. Chronic disease of long standing : bleed 
moderately two or three times, ten or twelve days apart. 
Small wiry pulse, beating from sixty to seventy per min- 
ute : usually inflammation of the bowels; bleed freely. Op- 
pressed wiry pulse, beating about seventy in the minute : 
usually inflammation of the respiratory organs ; bleed 
freely. Weak pulse : debility ; here bleeding means mur- 
der ; rather give stimulants to arouse the drooping ener- 
gies to proper action. 

Subacute Lijiammation — Is a mitigated acute inflamma- 
tion. 

Chronic Inflammation — Is slow in its progress, less vio- 
lent, and tends to last indefinitely. 

Causes. — Its causes may be local or constitutional ; con- 
tinued irritation ; or it may be the remains of acute in- 
flammation, or the local manifestation of some constitu- 
tional disorder, such as general debility, stimulating food, 
disordered stomach or kidney ; consequently impurity of 
the blood. 

Treatment. — Remove all constitutional disorder, by giv- 
ing some useful alteratives. (See Alteratives, Pharma- 
macopiiB,) 



1 



CHAPTER IV. 

Diseases of the Feet. 

Pumice Foot.— Ckacked Hoop.— False Qparter.— Seedy Toe.—Tread 
AND Over-Eeacu.—Qdittob.— Thrush. — Corns.— Acdte Laminits, or 
Fever in the Feet.— Navicular Dispjase. 

PUMICE FOOT. 

Cause. — The horse pastured on swampy land, having 
high-knee action, batters the feet on hard roads. 

Symptoms. — A long slanting pastern, the hoof marked 
by rings, the crust broken where nails have been driven, 
bulging and weak sole, good bars and frogs. 

Treatment. — The only possible relief is by shoeing with 
a bar shoe, the webb beaten out to form a dish, and a 
leather or rubber sole. The nightly application of equal 
parts oil tar, origanum oil and glycerine will have a ten- 
dency to toughen the hoof. 

CRACKED HOOFS. 

Causes. — The hoof of the horse is epidermic tissue, com- 
posed of matted hair in fibres running parallel to each 
other in a direction from the coronet to the ground sur- 
face. These fibres are glued together firmly in a round 
and strong hoof ; but in a weak one it sometimes hap- 
pens that the gelatinous matter is deficient, by treading a 
long time upon hard and dry ground, or it may be caused 
by treading, cutting the coronet in two with the heel- 
corks. 

Cracked hoofs are of two sorts, quarter-crack and toe- 
crack. 



32 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

Quarter-crack is oftenest seen upon tlie inner quarter of 
the hoof; toe-crack in front. 

Treatment. — The only possible remedy is to confine the 
hoof so it cannot spring open while the horse is in mo- 
tion, and for this purpose, for toe-crack, shoe with a bar 
shoe with equal bearing, weld clamps of nail-rod to each 
heel of the shoe of sufficient length to be brought over the 
hoof, within an inch of the hair ; punch a hole through 
each end large enough to admit a small carriage bolt, 
turn the ends up each side of the crack, and with knife 
and rasp cut the sides of the crack down to the sensitive 
flesh ; when this is done, let the foot down, and with a 
sharp knife make an incision about an inch long length- 
ways the coronet, and through the same ; then wash with 
water and chloride of zinc, six ounces of the former to 
one drachm of the latter. When all dirt is removed, ap- 
ply the following : Take yellow wax, white resin, and 
Burgundy pitch, of each two ounces : melt together over 
a gentle fire ; then add of hog's lard one-half pound ; 
when melted remove from the fire, and while yet warm, 
add one ounce of spirits turpentine with a small quantity 
of corrosive sublimate previously dissolved in it. Spread 
a plaster of this upon cotton or linen cloth ; apply warm . 
over the crack ; then draw the clamps over the plaster ; 
put bolt through holes in the ends ; turn a nut on tight 
enough to draw the clamps, in order to prevent the crack 
from opening when the horse leans his weight upon that 
foot, but not tight enough to cause pain. If you observe 
to keep a plaster on in order to keep dirt out of the crack, 
it will be nearly healed in six weeks, or before the shoe 
wants setting. 

Treatment.— Fox quarter-crack, shoe with a bar shoe 
with equal bearing all around the foot from toe to heel. 
Some recommend relieving the cracked quarter and put- 
ting the bearing upon the frog. But as the frog is an 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 66 

elastic body and springs with pressure, the crack will 
open every time the horse strikes that foot to the ground. 
I prefer keeping the bearing off the frog, and have it the 
same on the cracked quarter as upon the sound part of the 
foot. After the shoe is properly put on treat the crack 
with knife,. rasp and plaster, the same as recommended for 
toe-crack, and it will heal with as little difficulty, but in- 
stead of working the horse with either toe or quarter- 
crack, a better way will be, and one that will show more 
mercy, is to turn the horse into a clean box-stall and there 
let him remain until well. 

FALSE aUARTER. 

This is a deficiency of the outer wall ; a portion of the 
coronary substance has been lost, and it is beyond the 
art or medication of man to restore. All that can be done 
is to put on a bar shoe, chambered out in order Xp have 
no bearing at the seat of false quarter. Dr. Mayhew re- 
commends that the crust near to the weakened part 
should be beveled off so as to join the soft horn with an 
insensible edge. Apply a plaster over false quarter as 
that recommended for cracked hoof. This treatment will, 
perhaps, mitigate the suffering, which is all that can be 
done. 

SEEDY TOE. 
This is a division of the outer wall and the sole ; it 
invariably begins at the toe, caused by overwork and ex- 
hausted frame. The only treatment consists in absolute 
rest, the cutting away of detached horn, and keeping the 
foot soft with tar and glycerine, or poulticing with lin- 
seed meal ; do not work the horse until the hoof has be- 
come perfect ; if worked the division will extend from 
the toe to the heels, — in consequence the horse is ruined 
for life. 



34 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

TREAD AND OVEE-REACH. 

Causes. — The cause of tread is, the horse being- kept 
standing on a slanting floor in the stable, and he places 
one hind foot on top of the other in order to rest the back 
tendons. Over-reach is caused by the horse becoming 
tired and striking the outer side of the fore coronet with 
the inner part of the hind foot. A wound, and sometimes 
a severe one, is the consequence. False quarter, or quit- 
tor, is likely to be the result. 

Treatment. — First wipe away the dirt and remove with 
a knife any loose edges that cannot unite ; apply a plas- 
ter as recommended for cracked hoof ; put over a light 
bandage and so protect the wound from dirt and at- 
mospheric effects. 

QUITTOR. 

This is a chronic abscess of the foot ; and, from 
the difficulty which nature has to overcome in find- 
ing a way for the matter to reach the surface, it is al- 
ways forming sinuses, or pipes. Quitter may be caused 
by over-reach, bruise of the sole or prick of a nail. The 
treatment must be the same as for fistula or pollevil ; an 
opening must be formed so that no matter shall be con- 
fined, but allowed to come away as fast as it forms, and 
inject daily a part of the following solution : chloride of 
of zinc two drachms, water one pint. Dr. Stewart gives 
us a prescription, in his " American Farmer's Horse 
Book," which I think answers still better. It is : Take 
half-pint turpentine, and add one ounce powdered corro- 
sive sublimate and one ounce gum camphor. I have 
seen some very bad quittors cured by the daily use of 
this liniment. 

THRUSH. 

This is an offensive discharge from the frog, caused 
bj- standing in filthy stables, cow-dung-stopping, and ox- 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 35 

hausted body. The only treatment to be adopted is, the 
removal of the horse to a clean, well ventilated stable, 
liberal feeding, and the washing of the frog with a 
quart of water, to which has been added an ounce of 
bromo-chloralum ; then take a half-pint alcohol, add pow- 
dered corrosive sublimate one ounce ; mix a part of this 
with slaked lime, and spread it over the frog to harden it 
and stop the discharge. 

CORNS. 

Corns are of two kinds, the new, and old or suppurating ; 
both are caused by bruises to the sensitive sole. The un- 
equal bearing of the shoe is the prolific agent in their 
production. 

Ti-eatment. — The treatment of corns is seldom difficult at 
their first appearance, but for the suppurating it can be 
only palliative. The diseased part must be carefully pared 
out at each shoeing. Having done this, take glycerine 
one ounce, and add carbolic acid two drachms ; introduce 
some of this into the opening, and place over it some 
tow or cotton, and shoe with a bar shoe chambered at 
the seat of corn, with a leather sole. 

ACUTE LAMINITS, OR FEVER IN THE FEET. 

This disease lias been known for many years under the 
terms founder and fever in the feet. It is an inflamma- 
tion (which may be acute or chronic) of the parts be- 
tween the wall and the coffin bone, including the laminte, 
whence the name by which it is now known. 

Causes. — The causes are either long confinement in a 
standing position, traveling upon hard roads, not accus- 
tomed to them, or by the over-heated horse getting a sud- 
den chill by standing in snow or cold water. With such 
abuse it is not uncommon for the horse to be seized with 
acute laminits. 



36 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

Symptoms. — The feet will be found intensely liot, and 
the arteries to beat with great violence. The pain is 
unusually great, owing to the want of space for the swell- 
ing which accompanies all inflammations. The horse 
stands all in a heap, the back reached, and head erect ; 
the hind feet are drawn under him to take the weight 
from the front ones as much as possible, while the sore 
and inflamed front feet are pushed out to receive the least 
possible weight, and that upon the heels. 

Ti^eatment. — In the first place everything must be 
avoided that will irritate or excite the horse ; work 
gently, and with the least possible noise ; place the horse 
in a sling and put his front feet in a bucket of warm wa- 
ter, and let them remain until softened, when the shoe 
should be removed easily, by drawing one nail at a time. 
This done, bleed in the toe, and give the following dose of 
physic : Take castor oil six ounces, Barbadoes aloes three 
drachms, carbonate of soda two drachms, oil of caraway 
fifteen drops ; dissolve the aloes and soda in a pint of 
warm water, and then add the other ingredients, and give 
as a drench. Should the symptoms indicate extreme suf- 
fering and inflammation, give fifteen drops tinct. of aco- 
nite and one-half ounce tinct. opium ; repeat three times 
a day, if necessary. 

SUBACUTE LAMINIl^S. 

This is a variety of the former disease. It may be the 
remains of the former disease or be caused by thrush, na- 
vicular disease, or standing idle in the stable for a long 
time. 

Symptoms. — Shambling gait, contracted feet, or falling 
of the cofSn bone. 

Treatment. — The treatment must be by shoeing with a 
bur shoe and leather sole, to deaden the concussion. 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 31 

NAVICULAR DISEASE. 

Cause. — Stepping upon stones, points of frozen dirt and 
the like, injuring the fleshy frog, perforans tendon and na- 
vicular bone. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms will be, when in motion, 
acute lameness, bringing the sore foot sparingly to the 
ground, and throwing most of the weight upon the sound 
one ; when standing, the sore foot will be pointed out, 
resting upon the toe to relieve it. 

This disease, if not relieved, will terminate in ulcera- 
tion or contraction of the foot and a shrunken or degener- 
ate state of the muscles of the shoulder. Nature has pro- 
vided certain parts for certain purposes, and when these 
purposes are avoided, those parts diminish in size ; so 
with the horse's foot and shoulder, in navicular disease, 
the mechanical action is impaired, the foot is spared in 
progression, and pointed while standing, which obviously 
changes its shape from the round healthy hoof, to the 
narrow heels and hardened frog. The shoulder sympa- 
thizes with the foot ; thus the degenerate or withered 
muscle as a consequence. This is termed by some horse- 
men as Sweeney of the shoulder. Sweeney, or the with- 
ered muscle of the shoulder, and contraction of the feet 
are not disease, but take place as the consequence of dis- 



Trealment. — We can recommend no better treatment for 
navicular disease than to shoe with a bar shoe, equal bear- 
ing, heels slightly raised with a leather sole, filling in 
under the leather with tar and glycerine, and blistering 
around the heels with the liniment recommended by Dr. 
Stewart : half-pint turpentine, one ounce powdered cor- 
rosive sublimate, one ounce gum camphor ; mix and apply 
daily, and bathe in two or three times with a hot iron. 



CHAPTER y. 

Diseases and Injuries of the Limbs. 



General Remarks.— Bone Spavin.-^Splint Ringbone Strain of the 

Flexor Tendon. — Sprain of the Back Sinews.— Curb. — Occult Spav- 
in.— Windgalls.-Bog Spavin.— Thorough-pin.— Capped Knee.— Cap- 
ped Hock.— Capped Elbow. 



GENERAL REMARKS. 



The diseases of bone may be included under these four 
heads, namely : 1. Exostosis or increased growth of bone, 
the consequence of increased action in the nutrition of the 
parts. 2. Caries, or ulceration, the result of inflammation. 
3. Anchylosis is the result of caries in the two joining sur- 
faces of a joint, producing bony union between them, and 
thus preventing the after motion of that part. 4. Frac- 
ture or dislocation by external force. 

BONE SPAVIN. 

This disease consists in exostosis from the external sur- 
face of the tarsal or small bones of the hock, showing 
itself on the inner side of the hock joint, caused most gen- 
erally by a blow or strain. The symptoms of spavin are 
in recent cases, whenever the horse is taken from the sta- 
ble will limp in his action, the lameness soon goes off hy 
driving, and may not return until the joint has become 
stiff by rest. In motion the foot is raised with a quick 
jerk, dragging of the limb, indicating pain and want of 
action in the joint. 

With regard to the different modes of treatment that 
have been recommended and adopted for spavin, I must 



I 



DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE LIMBS. 39 

say that most of them have been born in wickedness — the 
heaping of cruelties upon suffering misery. Firing, firing 
with blistering, setons, with or without subcutaneous 
scarification and division of the nerve, all have been tried, 
and all require the horse to have absolute rest for a defi- 
nite period. And we may inquire at the eleventh hour, if 
nature (in the same time left unobstructed in her etforts) 
would not have done more good than the appliance of all 
the above arts and medications that the wicked imagina- 
tions of man has devised. 

Now we encounter the important question, what can be 
done for a spavined horse. If the animal be not lame, let 
it alone. However large and unsightly the deposit may 
be, do not run the risk of exciting a new action in a part 
where disease exists in a quiescent form. If the animal 
be lame, give good food and absolute rest. Do not con- 
sent to have it tortured for a chance. Do not sell it to 
have it live out the remainder of its days in misery and 
torment. But while inflammation exists try to abate it, 
and allay the pain by well rubbing the part with a mix- 
ture of aqua ammonia, chloroform, sulphuric ether, of each 
one ounce, spirits turpentine one-half ounce, and olive oil 
three ounces. The pain having subsided, apply with fric- 
tion some of the following ointment. It may reduce the 
disease by provoking resolvency. It will also enable na- 
ture to rectify man's abuse, will do more good in the same 
time, cost less money than the devilries usually adopted 
without success : beniodide of mercury one drachm, lard 
one ounce. Mix, and apply once daily for three or four 
days. To be followed by the daily use of arnica, to be 
painted on with a brush. Tinct. of arnica lotion one 
ounce, water twelve ounces. After applying the above for 
two or three days, continue the treatment by fomenting 
with warm water, two or three times daily. 



4U DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE LIMBS. 

SPLINT. 

This disease is an exostosis, generally making its ap- 
pearance on the inner side of the limbs below the knee, 
connecting the splint bone by bony union with the large 
metacarpal or cannon bone, causing severe lameness. 
When its situation is such as to interfere with the back sin- 
ews or suspensory ligament, give treatment the same as 
recommended for spavin. 

EING-BONE. 

Ring-bone is an osseous deposit or exostosis, resembling 
spavin and splint. It is caused by the violent efforts the 
animal makes in drawing a heavy load up some steep hill. 
Could the horse only speak he would have sufficient cause 
to overwhelm man with its injuries. The disease may in- 
volve one or more joints. It may exist as a slight en- 
largement in front, above the hoof, or it may quite encir- 
cle the coi'onet. Treatment the same as recommended 
for spavin. 

STRAIN OF THE FLEXOR TENDON. 

The main cause of this disease is the horse drove down 
a steep hill with a heavy load behind it. Here the stress 
is all thrown upon the back tendons. The strain seldom 
occasions much lameness. But the horse being worked 
constantly, the injured part is daily excited. The limp- 
ing may disappear with exercise, but the horse is always 
sure to be stiff the next morning. Thus, a low chronic in- 
flammation is kept up, and in consequence the sinews 
gradually contract. 

Treatment. — Keep the horse in the stable on suitable 
food, bandage, and keep constantly wet with cold water. 
Do not work the horse until sound. If this treatment fail, 
then nothing will be of any benefit but division of the ten- 
dons. 



DISEASES AND INJURIES (tF THE LIMBS. 41 

sphain of the back sinews. 

Sprain of the back sinews of the hind legs is a similar 
disease, originated from similar causes as sprain of the 
flexor tendons. 

Treatment. — Cold fomentations ; shoe with a high-heeled 
shoe to prevent over-shooting at the fetlock joint. If, how- 
ever, the tendons should continue enlarged, blister with 
beniodide of mercury, as recommended for spavin. 

CURB. 

Curb is an inflammation of the pcrforan tendon sheath, 
causing an enlargement at the back of the hock, and is 
usually caused by a blow or strain. The treatment should 
be directed to abate the inflammation with the . following 
lotion : borax 2 ounces, water 4 quarts. Apply a cloth 
doubled two or three times to the back of the hock by 
means of India rubber webbing tied above and below the 
joint ; keep constantly wet with the above lotion until in- 
flammation is banished, when blister with beniodide of 
mercury as recommended for bone spavin. 

OCCULT SPAVIN. 

Occult spavin is an ulceration between the tarsal bones 
composing the hock. At every step two ulcerated sur- 
faces grate upon each other, causing the acutest sufiering. 
The causes and symptoms are similar to bone spavin. No 
enlargement may be seen for a long time, and when it 
does appear it will be in the centre of the hock, which 
will be enlarged both in front and inner side ; in conse- 
quence, anchylosis is established, and the bones are no 
longer capable of the slightest movement one upon the 
other. The treatment will be precisely on the same plan 
as for bone spavin. 



42 DISEASES AND INJURIES OP THE LIMBS. 

WIND GALLS. 

Wind galls are caused by an inflammation of the bursa 
mucosa sacs situate above the fetlock joint. These sacs 
are for the most part lying under tlie tendons. They are 
naturally filled with an oily kind of fluid, the use of which 
is to lubricate surfaces over which the tendons play. In 
consequence of bruises or sprains this fluid collects some- 
times to a great extent. The treatment consists in pres- 
sure by means of bandages and cold lotions. Blistering 
with beniodide of mercury and rest will remove them en- 
tirely. But very often the horse is no sooner put to work 
again than they return as bad as ever. 

BOG SPAVIN AND THOEOUGH-PIN. 

Bog spavin and thorough-pin are all of them originally 
of the nature of wind galls. Bog spavin is nothing more 
than a wind gall on the hock joint. Thorough-pin pierces 
through the thinnest part of the hock. It may appear 
single, but rarely present without bog spavin. These dis- 
eases must be treated in the same way as recommended 
for wind galls. 

CAPPED KNEE AND CAPPED HOCK. 
Capped knee in the fore limb answers to capped hock in 
the hind leg- Both may have like causes and produce 
like effects in most respects. They must be reduced like 
wind galls, with absolute rest, pressure, cold lotions, and 
blistering. Yet capped knee will sometimes expose the 
horse to open joint, when it must be treated daily, by ap- 
plying with a feather, Dr. Stewart's liniment : turpentine 
one-half pint, powdered corrosive sublimate one ounce, 
gum camphor one ounce ; mix. 

CAPPED ELBOW. 
Capped elbow is precisely similar in its nature to cap- 



INJURIES THEIR NATURE AND TREATMENT. 43 

ped hock and must bo treated in the same way. It is 
usually caused by the horse lying on the heel corks of the 
shoe on the fore foot. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Injuries — Their Nature anb Treatment. 

Fistula.— Poll-Evil.— Inflammation of the Vein.— Open Synovial 
Joints. — Wocnds.^ — Shoulder Sprain. — Strains of the Hip-Joint and 
Stifle. — Dislocation Fractures. 

FISTULA. 
Fistula consists of a deep abscess on the shoulder, 
ending in an ulcerous sore with numerous pipes or sinuses, 
usually caused by a blow or bruise. The treatment be- 
fore abscess is formed should consist in keeping the skin 
irritated by the daily application of alcohol one pint, pow- 
dered corrosive sublimate one ounce, gum camphor one 
ounce, tincture iodine two ounces. But when abscesses 
are formed the only chance of a cure must be reposed in 
the free use of the knife. Direct the knife in order to 
separate the greatest number of pipes at one opening, 
which should be made as low down as possible, in order 
to allow all the matter to run out as fast as it forms. 
This done wash out the part with water four quarts, bro- 
mo chloralum one ounce ; wash with this lotion as neces- 
sity requires, and apply once daily the above liniment with 
a feather or small glass syringe. It will then heal by 
granulations the same as ordinary wounds. 

POLL-EVIL. 

Poll-Evil is exactly similar in its nature to fistula, be- 
ing provoked by the like causes. The treatment nni.st be 



44 INJURIES — THEIR NATURE AND TREATMENT. 

the same as tliat described for fistula. Caution is neces- 
sary with regard to the direction of the knife ; never per- 
mit it to be applied to the root of the mane. Here an im- 
portant ligament lies. Always direct the knife from the 
mane, slanting down the neck. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE VEIN. 

Inflammation of the vein sometimes occurs after bleed- 
ing, by the horse being turned out to pasture or his eat- , 
iug food from the level of his feet. When swelling is 
seen in the immediate vicinity of the orifice withdraw 
the pin and foment with warm water ; give rest, as the 
origin of this is probably to be found in some impurity 
of the blood. If the inflammation should not be reduced 
by this treatment then apply blisters over the part. 

OPEN SYNOVIAL JOINTS. 

Acute inflammation of the synovial- membrane is pro- 
duced by local causes, such as blows, strains, and espe- 
cially by penetrating wounds. The joint most frequently 
affected is the knee. 

A penetrating wound usually punctures some of the 
bursa mucosa sacs. Earely does it occur that the joint 
itself is punctured so that synovia from between the bones 
escapes. Open synovial cavities or open synovial joints 
may be known by the escape of synovia in the form of 
small oily globules, severe lameness, indicating a terrible 
aching pain in the joint, aggravated by the slightest mo- 
tion, great swelling occurring soon after the pain. In the 
treatment adopted every local and constitutional measure 
to avert or subdue inflammation of the synovial mem- 
brane, which might prove fatal. Bestow as much kind- 
ness and patience upon the poor suffering horse as you 
would upon a sick child. Let everything be done without 



INJURIES THEIR NATURE AND TREATMENT. 45 

noise or violence. A liarsh word or a blow may now, 
when the whole system is shaking with pain, do more 
harm than all the medicine in the world can repair. The 
wound should be carefully cleaned with a lotion com- 
posed of tincture of arnica two ounces, water one quart. 
This done, close the wound and cover with a piece of lint 
dipped in water one pint, chloride of zinc one drachm ; 
bind loosely to keep in its place with a thin piece of cloth. 
Dress the wound in this way twice daily, and keep the 
horse as motionless as possible. Allow plenty of green 
feed. If the bowels are costive give a mild dose of physic ; 
then from one half to an ounce of tincture of opium mixed 
in a little cold water, at night to relieve pain, and fifteen 
drops tincture of aconite mixed in a little water three 
times daily, to avert or subdue inflammation. 

WOUNDS. 

Wounds may be defined to be separations by external 
violence of parts which ought to be united. The chief 
varieties are : the incised wound, or those made by clean- 
cutting instruments, produced by the least violence, and 
generally admit most easily of repair ; the punctured, or 
those made by something whose length greatly exceeds 
its, breadth, such as slivers, and pricks by nails of all 
sorts ; the lacerated, in which parts are torn ; the con- 
tused are those produced by bruising. The lacerated and 
contused wounds are produced with great violence, diffi- 
cult to heal, and more likely to slough or suppurate. 

We find that the repair of wounds may be accomplished, 
as Dr. Paget describes, by five difiercnt modes, namely : 
1. By immediate union. 2. By primary adhesion. 3. By 
granulations. 4. By secondary adhesion, or the union of 
granulations. 5. By healing under a scab. 

The Process of Healing by Immediate Union. — Dr. Paget 
holds that two conditions appear essential to it : first, ex- 



46 INJURIES THEIR NATURE AND TREATMENT. 

actness of the coaptation of the wounded surfaces ; and 
secondly, the absence of all inflammatory process : hence, 
it appears that inflammation is not necessary to promote 
the healing process. 

There are many examples of wounds healing by imme- 
diate union in man, where the wound heals perfectly in 
four or five hours, without the individual having any pain 
in the part after the moment of the infliction of the 
wound. But it rarely occurs in the horse. I do not re- 
collect of seeing but one case, although we may presume 
it would occur oftener if man did not so violently usurp 
nature's efforts. But most men no sooner attempt the 
treatment of a wound than all the stimulating liniments 
(which will provoke inflammation), balsams and salves 
must be applied to heal it. These nostrums alone, in their 
opinion, contain the material for repair ; they do not think 
for a moment, of nature having anything to do. They 
take all the responsibilities : and, again, if the wound is 
healing by granulations, some men must be washing it 
daily with soap and water, and by one single wipe with 
the sponge the granulations may all be rubbed ofi", which 
it had taken nature perhaps twenty-four hours to place 
there ; or, if the wound be healing under a scab which 
nature has thrown out, as a covering to protect it from 
the air, this, by some men must, be picked ofi" every day. 
When there are so many obstacles in the way of nature's 
efforts, let the reader reflect, and say, if it be strange 
that it should take wounds so long to heal, and that they 
should so often suppurate or proud flesh grow in them. 

Now, we encounter the important question, what can be 
done for a wound ? The treatment of all wounds com- 
prise four indications : 1. To stop bleeding. 2. To re- 
move foreign and irritating bodies. 3. To bring the di- 
vided parts into their natural position and keep them in 
union. 4. To promote adhesions. 



INJURIES — THEIR NATURE AND TREATMENT. 4T 

1. To Stop Bleeding. — Moderate pressure, a raised posi- 
tion and blowing into the wound will be sufficient in most 
cases, but if the bleeding prove obstinate, take matico 
leaves one-half ounce, boiling water one pint ; infuse, and 
when cold apply to the wound, or by pressing a puff-ball 
on the wound is as sure a styptic as we know of. If an 
artery be wounded, which may be known by the spurting 
of blood, it must be taken up and tied. 

2. To Remove Foreign and Irritating Bodies. — The re- 
moval of foreign bodies, if any are in the wound, should 
be effected as soon as possible, by the fingers or by for- 
ceps. The best way to get rid of dirt or gravel is with 
water and sponge. 

3. To Bring the Divided Parts into their Natural Position. — 
In bringing the divided parts into their natural position 
the edges must be made to meet as nicely as possible, 
because the more that the parts are adapted the less 
chance will there be of suppuration, and the more speedy 
and free from deformity will the cure be. The edges of 
the wound may then be kept in their place by cross 
strips of adhesive plaster. If a large lacerated wound, 
stitches should be used. Direct the needle so that 
one-half inch or more of the skin will be enclosed by 
the stitch on each side of the wound, run all the stitches 
through necessary, then bring the edges together and tie 
the stitches. 

4. To Promote Adhesions. — Parts that unite by adhe- 
sions is by the effusion and organization of coagulable 
lymph, and every circumstance that will disturb the lymph 
exuded or that will cause it to decompose must be avoided. 
The wounded part should be kept as motionless as possi- 
ble. The horse may be placed in a sling if necessary. 
Punctured wounds should be incised so that no matter can 
accumulate. The healiug process may be excited by ap- 
plying carbolic acid one drachm, water four ounces ; or, 



4 s INJURIES — THEIR NATURE AND TREATMENT. 

chloride of zinc, one draclim, water one pint. This will 
probably prevent any tendency to unhealthy action. 

SHOULDER SPRAIN. 

Shoulder Sprain, or what is termed in horsemen's lan- 
guage, Sweeney, is most always chosen as the seat of in- 
jury in case of lameness of the fore extremity, and those 
follows who pretend to have a profound knowledge of 
horse ailments will always exhibit the withered muscle of 
the shoulder as a proof of their coi-rectness, but if the 
limb be thrown out of use, as in navicular disease, this 
degenerate state of the muscles will always occur. 
Sliouider sprain may be caused by a fall or by a slip, 
causing the legs to be widely separated. The symptoms 
will be, instead of the withered muscle, a round plump 
shoulder, caused by inflammation "and swelling. The 
horse in progression will drag the limb and rarely if ever 
lift the toe from the ground, and it will cause great pain 
if the foot be lifted and drawn forward. 

The treatment will consist in bleeding, followed by 
warm fomentations until the inflammation is subdued, 
when seton. This is done by taking a piece of tape about 
a foot long, smeared with blister ointment, and passing it 
through beneath the skin, leaving the ends hanging out 
with a knot tied upon each. The ends of the tape should 
be sponged daily, to remove any accumulated matter, 
smeared with tile ointment, and drawn in until a profuse 
discharge takes place. 

STRAINS OF THE HIP-JOINT AND STIFLE. 

Strain of the hip-joint may be caused by the hind feet' 

slipping. It may be known by a dropping of the aifected 

hip, but a still better test, as Mayhew describes, is to hold 

•some soft substance over the joint, then to strike it with 

a mallet : the shock will be communicated to the seat of 



INJURIES — THEin NATURE AND TREATMENT. 49 

lameness and elicit an energetic response ; here the dis- 
ease is so deep seated that fomentations and blisters will 
be of no use. The only chance of a cure must be reposed 
in rest, and a seton inserted in the skin adjacent. Strains 
of the stifle may be the result of a blow or strain, which 
may be known by tenderness and swelling of the joint. 
The treatment must be rest and warm fomentations, followed 
by blistering. 

DISLOCATIONS. 

Dislocations may be caused by muscular action or ex- 
ternal violence, and may be known by deformity of the 
joint or unnatural prominence at one part and a depres- 
sion at another, with the loss of motion of the joint. 

Treatment. — The reduction of dislocations should be 
effected by getting the head of the displaced bone into 
such a position that the muscles may draw it into its 
socket. The joint usually affected by dislocation is the 
stifle, and the reduction of the same may be done by tying 
a rope, (round the pastern of the affected limb), of suffi- 
cient length to be passed over a pulley ahead of the horse 
and brought back ; this should be laid hold of by an as- 
sistant, in order to pull the leg forward and upward, 
while the operator stands by the hips, with both hands 
pushing the head of the displaced bone inward until drawn 
into its place. Dr. Spooner gives an excellent advice : af- 
ter the bone has been returned, to place an assistant by 
the horse's side, with strict orders to hold the joint in its 
place for some hours. Such advice should be always car- 
ried out ; if not, the cure will be rendered extremely diffi- 
cult by the uneasiness of the horse, which was created for 
action, and the tying him in anj'- way to keep him still 
will only make matters worse, 
3 



50 DISEASES OF THE EYE AND SKIN, 

FRACTURES. 

Fractures may be divided into two varieties, namely : 
simple and compound , 

When compound fracture occurs, that is, when the 
broken edges of bone penetrate through the tendons and 
skin, no treatment should be adopted. Better destroy the 
horse at once, and so put an end to his misery and your 
own labor. 

Simple fracture may be complete or partial, (green- 
stick fracture), part only breaking and the rest bending. 
With regard to treatment, the horse must be placed com- 
fortably in slings ; the broken parts must be adjusted in 
their natural position by means of holding the upper part 
of the limb while the lower part is stretched in a direction 
to restore the limb to its natui'al length and shape. This 
done, a bandage must be smoothly applied, one four inches 
wide and about fifteen feet long, saturated with starch ; 
wrap the bandage five or six times around the limb so 
that it lays smooth, then apply splints of wood to each 
side, carved to shape the limb, when wrap around over the 
splints the remainder of the bandage. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Diseases of the Eye and Skin. 

Simple Opthalmia.— Specific Opthalmia.— Cataract — Obstritctxon in 
THE Lachrymal Duct.— Mange.— Warts.— Tumors.— Swelled Legs — 
Sit-Tart. — Mali.endeks and Sallenders. — Cracked Heels, or 
Scratches. 

SIMPLE OPTHALMIA. 

Simple opthalmia, or inflammation, is the most common 
disease to which the horse's eye is subject. It may be 



DISEASES OF THE EYE AND SKIN. 51 

caused by foreign bodies getting into the eye, such as hay- 
seed or chafif, but the worst remains to be told ; the vio- 
lence of man contributes largely to this disease, by whip- 
ping over the head or by exposure. The symptoms will 
be the eye half closed, with eyelids slightly swollen ; the 
cheek bedewed with tears, and conjunctive membraue of 
a milky appearance ; the white of the eye will be covered 
with a fine net-work of red vessels ; and the haw, that 
delicate membrane which is situated at the lower corner 
of the eye, is usually so inflamed and enlarged as to partially 
cover the eye. In the treatment do not attempt to cure 
disease of one organ at the expense of another, by extract- 
ing wolf teeth (these have no connection with the eye, and 
impossible to be the cause of inflammation), or by cutting 
the haw. In the name of mercy, spare this organ, which 
God, in his sovereign wisdom, bestowed to the eye as a 
washer, to remove any offending substance. Please resort 
to milder measures, and when the inflammation is sub- 
dued the haw will be reduced to its natural size and posi- 
tion. Carefully remove any foreign substance from the 
eye, if any ; bleed moderately, if the horse will bear it ; 
feed plenty of green food, and foment the eytyfour or five 
times a day with borax one-half ounce, water one quart. 
Purulent opthalmia, or the second stage of simple op- 
thalmia, maybe known by mucus purulent secretions from 
the eye. Then use as a wash thirty grains tannate of zinc 
in six ounces of water and one-half ounce of mucilage. 

SPECIFIC OPTHALMIA. 
Specific or periodic opthalmia, is the effect of a disease, 
known by horsemen, as moon eyes. This disease is, un- 
doubtedly, often brought on by the darkness and foul nox- 
ious vapors which are emitted in the low vaults which the 
horse is so often consigned to by man. The symptoms ap- 
pear very suddenly, and often there is a great and sudden 



52 DISEASES OF THE EYE AND SKIN, 

improvement for a time, but the same causes that brought 
on the first attack fi-equently provokes another. The white 
of the eye looks of a deep red color (the iris). The col- 
ored pai-t of the eye often exhibits one or more vt'hite 
specks upon it, with intolerance of light and unusual flow 
of tears. In the treatment, constitutional as well as local 
measures must be adopted. Remove the horse into a clean 
well ventilated stable. His whole system has become 
poisoned by the noxious vapors of the one he has been 
standing in, and the aqueous humor of the eye in conse- 
quence is undergoing a fearful deterioration. The origin 
of this is, undoubtedly, to be found in some impurity of 
the blood. For constitutional treatment bleed moderately 
and give some powerful alterative, such as sulphur resin 
and glauber salts, mixed in equal parts. Give a table- 
spoonful of this mixture every night in a feed of scalded 
oats or bran mash, Tlie local treatment will consist in 
guarding the eye from the effects of light until it ii able 
to bear it. For this purpose tie a piece of cloth to each 
end of the halter, above the eyes ; keep this wet with the 
tannate of zinc lotion, and foment the eye four or five 
times a day with the same. 

CATAEACT. 

Cataract consists in opacity of the crystalline lens or its 
capsule, which prevents the passage of the rays of light 
and precludes vision. The causes are obscure. 

Symptoms. — The horse shying by viewing objects im- 
perfectly. The pupil seems closed by an opaque body of 
a whitish color, the pupil dilating and contracting. The 
opacity goes on increasing until the horse is blind. 

This disease in the horse must be considered as a hope- 
less case. If inflammation exists foment with the borax 
lotion, which will afford tempoi-ary relief. ' 



DISEASES OF THE EYE AND SKIN. 53 

AMAUROSIS, OR PALSY OF THE OPTIC NERVE. 

Amaurosis consists in loss of power of the optic nerve, 
or retina, causing partial or complete blindness, without 
any alteration in the organization of the eyes. Setons or 
blisters below the eyes are the most successful remedies. 

OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE LACHRYMAL DUCT. 

The lachrymal duct is a small opening leading from 
the eye to the nostril. Any foreign substance getting 
into it will prevent the escape of tears. The obstruction 
may be removed by injecting water up the nasal termina- 
tion of the duct. 

MANGE. 

Mange is generally produced by contact with horses 
affected with the disease. It corresponds with the itch of 
the human subject, caused by an insect which, in the 
horse, is visible to the naked eye. The symptoms will be 
an excessive itching of the skin, with the hair falling off 
in patches. The ti-eatment must be directed to the de- 
struction of the insect, which may be done in the follow- 
ing manner : brush the horse until the scabs are re- 
moved, (when the acari may be seen moving about like 
mites in a cheese), when apply the following from head 
to foot with a brush : Take of sulphur six ounces, 
sperm oil one pint, spirits of turpentine throe ounces, cor- 
rosive sublimate two drachms. Dissolve the corrosive 
sublimate with the turpentine by rubbing in a mortar ; 
then mix with the other ingredients. Apply this, and 
allow it to i-emain for two days, when wash with soap 
and water, rub dry, and dress the sore parts with gly- 
cerine four ounces, carbolic acid four drachms, turpentine 
one ounce. After a cure has been effected carefully 
clean all the apartments _by washing and fumigating 
with sulphur. 



54 DISEASES OF THE EYE AND SKIti. 

WARTS. 

Warts may be divided into two varieties, namely, the 
seed, and blood wart. 

Seed warts are generally small, and usually make their 
appearance on the eyelids and nose. They have little hard 
points, and grow in patches connected with the cuticle 
and cellular membrane, from which they derive their 
growth. They indicate a morbid condition of the skin, 
but do very little harm, and often disappear without treat- 
ment. 

Blood warts, like seed warts, have been known to grow 
on all parts of the body. They are a fungous growth 
from the cellular membrane, of a spongy texture, and 
bleed upon the slightest irritation. 

In the treatment, nitric acid will be found to be the 
best remedy for eating down the growth and destroying 
the seed. But this must be handled with the utmost pos- 
sible caution. To prevent the acid from destroying the 
healthy skin, surround the wart on all sides with a coat- 
ing of lard ; then pick the scab from the wart, and apply 
the acid daily, until properly reduced, when apply carbolic 
acid one drachm, mixed in one ounce of glycerine, once 
daily until a cure is effected. 

TUMORS. 
These are so various that it is impossible to particular- 
ize them. In every case a surgeon should be consulted 
before they are meddled with. 

SITFAST. 

This affection consists in an ulcerated sore with hard or 
bony edges, resembling an ulcerated corn on the human 
foot, caused by the chafing of the saddle or the back-pad. 
Like fistula and pollevil, sitfast unquestionably has its ori- 
gin in some impurity of the blood, and the chafing of the 



DISEASES OF THE EYE AND SKIN. 55 

saddle or the back-pad prepares the soil while the morbid 
principle of the blood gives it growth. 

Treatment. — Remove the excrescence with a knife, and 
treat the wound with the chloride of zinc lotion, one grain 
of the chloride of zinc to an ounce of water. During the 
local treatment keep the bowels laxative, with bran 
mashes. Mix and give in the night and morning mash, a 
tablespoonful of the sulphur resin and glauber salt, mixed 
in equal parts, which may carry off the morbid effusion of 
the blood. 

SWELLED LEGS, OE CEDEMA. 

The cellular membrane of the skin of the legs are liable 
to two varieties of swelling, namely : inflammatory swelled 
leg, called by horsemen weed ; and ordinary swelling or 
filling of the legs. 

Inflammatory swelled leg comes on suddenly, accom- 
panied with fever, almost always showing itself on the in- 
side of the hind leg above the hock, which is very hot and 
tender. In the treatment, bleed if necessary, followed by 
a dose of physic. If the swelling is not reduced in three 
or four days, give the diuretic powder as recommended 
for sitfasL 

Ordinary swelling, or simple oedema, may be caused by 
any circumstance which hinders the return of. venous 
blood, for instance, when horses are first brought in from 
grass their legs almost always swell more or less, owing 
to their nonpex'formance from want of space to exercise, or, 
secondly, it may be caused by a depraved state of the 
blood, arising from disease of the kidneys, renal dropsy, 
diuretic medicines, such as sweet spirits of nitre, and nitre, 
known better by the name of saltpetre, are often the sole 
cause of the legs swelling. Some men use diuretics con- 
tinually, whether they are wanted or not, so that the kid- 
neys become diseased and refuse to act ; in consequence. 



50 DISEASES OF THE EYE AND SKIN. 

a depressed state of ihc blood, effusion of scrum, and 
oedema in the limbs. In the diagnosis navicular disease, 
or injuries of the feet must not be oveilooked. The treat- 
ment must depend upon the exact cause. If the swelling 
is caused 'by the change from exercise to confinement, 
turn the horse loose into a box-stall when in the stable. 
Remove the cause, and the effects will follow. If weak- 
ness or depressed state of the blood is the cause, give ton- 
ics, diuretics or physic, such as tend to drain the blood of 
its impure materials and give vigor to the circulation, and 
by means of local stimulation, such as hand-rubbing, and 
by bandages. If diuretics are adopted let them be of the 
mildest kind, such as powder recommended for sitfast. 
If the fibrin should separate from the serum and cause an 
indolent thickening of the cellular tissue, the treatment 
should then be blisters. Blister with biniodide of mer- 
cury, as recommended for bone spavin. 

MALLENDEES AND SALLENDEES. 

These diseases consist in the appearance of a foul scab- 
by eruption, with skin underneath hard and stiff, (a spe- 
cies of lepra in the human subject). They are of the same 
nature, differing only in location, mallendei-s showing it- 
self at the back of the knee, and sallenders at the bend of 
tlie hock, caused by filth and getting the legs wet and 
leaving them undried. 

The treatment required is keep the parts dry and clean, 
and apply daily the following lotion : one drachm of car- 
bolic acid to one ounce of glycerine. 

SCRATCHES, OR GREASE. 

This eruption consists in swelling of the legs and heels, 
which soon cracks and exudes an offensive watery serous 
fluid, which inflames and spreads the eruption to every 
part that it touches. The causes may be either constitu- 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 5*1 

tional, as swelling of the legs, oedema and genei-al debil- 
ity, or local, as filth and chilblains, by the legs getting 
wet and nevei- dried. In the treatment constitutional 
measures will have to be adopted sometimes, as well as 
local. For constitutional treatment give every night in a 
bran mash a tablespoonful of that mild diuretic and pow- 
ei-ful alterative powder, sulphur resin and glauber salts, 
mixed in equal parts ; and for local treatment, we can re- 
commend nothing better than to keep the parts dry and 
clean, and applj'ing twice daily the carbolic acid and gly- 
cerine, one drachm of the former to an ounce of the latter. 



CHAPTER Vin. 

Diseases of the Brain and Nervous System. 

Phrenitis, ok Inflammation of the Brain. — Megrims, or Epilepsy. — 
Blind Staggers. — Sleepy Staggers and Mad Staggers. — Tetanus, or 
Lockjaw.— Paralysis.— Stringhalt.— Son-Stroke. 

PHRENITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 

This is a disease characterized by the horse suffering the 
greatest agony by a violent pain in the head, redness of 
the eyes, intolerance of light and sound, watchfulness and 
furious delirium. Its causes are the same as other inflam- 
mations. A practice in which some men indulge their ugly 
passions by striking the horse over the head with the but- 
end of a whip may induce it or by over-feeding and .light 
work, and by sun-stroke. Before the horse becomes infu- 
riated the most active treatment must be pursued. Ee- 
peated bleeding, relieving the bowels by physic, back -rak- 
ing and injections and pouring ice-water upon the head. 
In the violent stage, no treatment, however well-directed, 
will be of any use. In the name of mercy, shoot the horse 



58 DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

at once, and put an end to his mighty anguish before he 
has done more injury to himself and demolished everything 
within his reach. 

MEGUIMS, OE EPILEPSY. 

This is a cerebi-o-spinal disease, which may be idiopathic 
or symptomatic, spontaneous, or accidental, which occurs 
in paroxysms with uncertain intervals between. Dissec- 
tion has thrown no light on its patliology, therefore the 
causes are unknown. These paroxysms are characterized 
by insensibility and by convulsive motion of the muscles. 
Frequently the fit attacks suddenly, at other times it is 
preceded by stubbornness and stupor. The reins are 
pulled and the whip plied to no purpose. One horse may 
stop suddenly, stare about, and then go on as though 
nothing had happened, while a second may be seized 
with an irrepressible desire to kick the dash-board to 
pieces, thus endangering the driver's shins, and a tliird 
may persist in running into shop-doors and smash them 
down with tremendous violence. Then comes a loss of 
sensation, sudden falling down, distortion of the eyes, 
grinding of the teeth, foaming at the month, convul- 
sions of the limbs, difficult breathing, with sometimes in- 
voluntary discharge of dung and urine. When these 
symptoms occur the majority of men are for bleeding in 
the mouth. This is of no use, and nature never intended 
the blood to be either food or drink for the horse. Loosen 
the harness at once, and let the person in charge seat him- 
self upon the horse's head and remain there until the ani- 
mal is perfectly recovered, then speak kindly to him, and 
permit him to rise. The ordinary duration of a fit is from 
five to ten minutes ; sometimes it goes oif in a few seconds. 

In the treatment the cause must be sought after, and if 
possible removed. If the disease is symptomatic of irrita- 
tion in the stomach or bowels, by worms, spasms of the 



DISEASES OF THE BRAI.V AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 59 

diaphragm, indigested food, gastritis, etc, remove the irri- 
tation if possible. Ultimate recovery will be vexy unfa- 
vorable. One grain nitrate of silver mixed in a ball 
with molasses and oil meal, may be given daily. But gen- 
erally all that can be done is to keep the horse in a well 
ventilated stable, with liberal feed and kind treatment, and 
always use him where he can do no harm. Do not attempt 
to sell him, as such a sale is illegal. The law demands 
that everything sold shall be fit for its uses. 

BLIND STAG&ERS. 
This is a name vaguely applied to megrims, the disease 
which we have just described. The term staggers is ap- 
plied by some men to every disease that causes a stagger- 
ing gait. Hence we have stomach staggers, brain stag- 
gers, sleepy staggers, and mad staggers, each applied 
from effect rather than cause. Blind staggers is properly 
applied to the disease in question, for it indicates two ef- 
fects of the disease, namely : blindness and staggering 
gait, and points to its true pathology. As this disease is 
iiot known in Europe or anywhere else except in the South- 
ern States of America, we are compelled to draw from the 
pages of Stewart, in describing it, a gentleman who, in 
our opinion, was the first to discover its true pathology. 
He describes the corn grown upon new land in the South- 
ern States to be badly eaten by a species of greenish yel- 
low worm, which leaves upon it a dust, or excrement of a 
very poisonous nature. As an evidence of the poisonous 
qualities of this worm dust, if a plaster, made by mixing 
it with vinegar, be placed upon the back of the hand, it 
will raise a blister in a short time. Nature supplies to 
the eyes of all animals of the higher types of organism a 
watery secretion to wash the eyes and keep them moist, 
and when this fluid has performed its oflSce it passes off 
through the lachrymal duct into the nose. And, as Stew- 



GO DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND lfERV(<US SYSTEM. 

art describes, " when the horse eats the worm-eaten corn, 
he snuffs the excrementary dust upon it up his nose, and 
it sometimes lodges in the lachrymal duct. Its poisonous 
qualities cause them to inflame, swell and fester, from 
which they shortly become closed, so that the water from 
the eyes cannot be discharged. These ducts communicate 
with the nasal cavities of the head, which, in like manner, 
become filled with the retained poisonous secretion. They 
remain not long in this condition before disease and inflam- 
mation set in. The surrounding parts are next involved. 
Finally, the optic nerve — the nerve of the eye — becomes 
affected, and at once blindness and staggering begin. The 
brain and the whole head partake of the rapidly-spreading 
derangement, and presently, the stomach, also, with the 
entire line of the intestinal canal. The dreadful virus 
affects every vital organ, and nearly every part of the 
body. It is a strange and peculiar poison, equally so, 
in its nature and effects." The horse sometimes becomes 
so delirious, as a result from the mighty anguish raging 
within his skull, that it is impossible to approach him. 
But when the horse can be approached, Dr. Stewart re- 
commends the following treatment : Bleed the horse as 
long as he can bear it, then give a drench, as follows : a 
half pound of epsom salts in a pint of warm water, to 
which add a gill of moderately strong tobacco juice. The 
effects of this drench is to make the patient quiet, so that 
you may handle him as you please. But we think if one 
ounce of chloroform and one ounce tincture of opium, 
mixed in a little water, was given as a substitute, it would 
be more effectual and more safe. 

He also recommends swabbing the nostrils with tobacco 
juice, quite warm, to open the ducts, and let the matter 
collected in them run out. As the disease consists in an 
obstruction of the lachrymal duct, a cure must depend 
upon the opening of them. In addition to the swabbing. 



DISEASES OP THE DRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 6l 

we would recommend forcing a jet of lukewarm water up 
the duct with a syringe, the same as recommended for ob- 
struction in the lachrymal. Keeping the horse quiet, feed- 
ing him green food, and raising a blister over the region 
of the brain, constitute the treatment. 

SLEEPY STAGGEES AND MAD STAGGERS. 

This disease is evidently a form of apoplexy. The most 
frequent causes are high feeding and limited exercise. 
But a horse over-gorged will undoubtedly be a proper 
subject for the mad stage of this disease, or mad staggers. 
The horse may get loose in the stable and reach the grain- 
box, and from there he eats until he becomes comatose. 
But from this state he soon arouses with a burning thirst, 
and when water is reached he drinks until the stomach is 
stretched to the uttermost, which causes inflammation. 
The brain sympathizes, and speedily an increased flow of 
blood to that organ occurs, and the horse becomes deliri- 
ous. Sleepy staggers is characterized by loss of sensa- 
tion. The horse is unconscious of surrounding objects ; 
he sleeps, or seems to do so ; he is in a comatose state. 
The circulation and breathing alone testifies that life re- 
mains. He now begins to foam at the mouth. His 
breathing is laborious and loud, and speedily he is in a 
mad phrensy. 

The disease generally consists in pressure upon the 
brain, either from turgescence of blood vessels or from in- 
creased flow of blood : hence, the treatment indicated is 
very plain. Bleeding must be speedily carried to its full 
extent. Next give chloroform and tincture of opium, of 
each an ounce, mixed in a little water, as a sedative. If 
caused by over-gorging, bleed, and give one pint castor 
oil with ten drops cioton oil. The stomach may also be 
relieved through sympathy, by unloading the bowels, which 
may be done by back-raking and giving injections. 



62 DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND .NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

But, as Dr. Youatt remarks, " if the golden hour is per- 
mitted to pass, or if remedial measures have become in- 
effectual, the scene all at once changes, and the most vio- 
lent reaction succeeds. It may be said to change to fe- 
rocity ; but the animal has no aim, no object in what lie 
does. He darts furiously at everything within his reach, 
but no mind, no design, seems to mingle with or govern 
his fury. Another, and another remission, and a return of 
the exacerbation follow, and then wearied out, he becomes 
quiet ; but it is not the quietness of returning reason — 
it is mere stupor. This continues for an uncertain pe- 
riod, and then he begins to struggle again ; but he is 
probably unable to rise. He pants, he foams ; at length, 
completely exhausted, he dies." 

TETANUS, OR LOCKJAW. 

Tetanus is a disease which consists in a rigidity of all 
the muscles or merely of some, witliout alternations of re- 
laxation. There are two forms of this malady, differing 
more in their mode of causation than in the symptoms by 
which they are characterized. They have been named idi- 
opathic and traumatic. Idiopathic tetanus arises from 
constitutional causes, from some disorder of the blood or 
nervous system, without wound ; and the traumatic teta- 
nus, or that which originates directly from a wound. The 
causes of traumatic tetanus are predisposing and excit- 
ing. The predisposing causes are a rapid change from 
hot to cold and damp weather, exposure, an irritable dis- 
position, physical exhaustion, and disorder of the stomach 
or bowels. Traumatic tetanus may be prevented, in a 
great measure, by graduating the clothing of the horse 
according to the temperature of the air. 

The exciting- causes are where nerves are exposed, or 
where they are pressed, stretched or torn, or by punctured 
wounds of the feet, or the operations of nicking and dock- 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIM AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. C3 

ing. Sometimes it is provoked by the great pain of a 
wound during its inflammatory state. But the most com- 
mon period is where the wound is nearly healed. 

The symptoms which characterize its actual accession, 
are, rigidity and stiffness about the muscles of the lower 
jaw and neck, observed first, in most cases, upon the side 
corresponding to the wound ; the patient is unable to open 
the mouth, the nostrils are dilated, the eyes retracted, with 
the haw thrust forward over them on raising the head, the 
ears erect and still, and the countenance a picture of mis- 
ery. When the disease has progressed no farther than 
this it is called lock-jaw, and in mild cases, or if the mal- 
ady be of an idiopathic type, the prognosis is favorable for 
arresting the disease at this stage. 

More often, however, the disease steadily advances until 
the patient is scarcely able to stand and plants his feet 
widely apart to prop himself up, the tail becomes a fixture, 
the bowels are costive, and, sooner or later, all the mus- 
cles of the body become rigid, constituting true tetanus. 

All kinds of treatment have been tried for tetanus, and 
it is said that each has resulted in success ; but it does 
seem that whatever remedy we employ we cannot hope 
for recovery, except by sustaining the system until the lo- 
cal irritation (which we assume to be the cause of the 
spasms) has been subdued. Remove all offending sub- 
stances from the wound if there be any ; make inci- 
sions if necessary, for the free discharge of matter ; and 
if nerve or tendon happens to be on the stretch divide it. 
This done, everything after depends upon keeping the 
horse quiet and upon getting tl;e bowels open. Every 
nerve is alive to excitement, and the horse cannot endure 
the slightest sound. Pulling and hauling him about to 
administer medicine will do more har.m than all the reme- 
dies that can be employed (no matter how well directed) 
can counteract Mix one pint castor oil and ten drops 



64 DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM, 

croton oil, and give without exciting the horse, if possi- 
ble ; then remove him to a solitary stable, bedded vpith 
saw-dust ; place within his reach a pail of linseed or some 
other nourishing gruel ; allow no noise, and permit no op- 
eration. Bleeding must not be used unless there is satis- 
factory evidence that the disease is dependent on inflam- 
mation of the spinal cord. 

PARALYSIS. 

Paralj'sis in the horse is generally never more than par- 
tial. It locates itself in the hind extremities, and may be 
characterized by an unsteady rolling gait, one hind foot 
always getting in the way of the other. But as the dis- 
ease advances it becomes one of nervous debility, and the 
horse is unable to rise. The immediate cause is generally 
pressure, either by blood effused or by serum, or by vascu- 
lar turgescence of the spinal cord. 

In the treatment, at its outset, bleeding may be advisable, 
but as the malady generally becomes one of nervous debil- 
ity, it requires stimulants to the paralyzed parts or to the 
mucous membranes, friction by hand-rubbing over the 
loins or blisters maybe applied to stimulate an absorption 
of the effused blood, or serum, and thirty drops tincture 
nux vomica may be given, mixed in a little water, three 
times daily. This drug has the property of exciting move- 
ments where the will has no longer power, but it must be 
handled with the utmost possible caution. It is a power- 
ful irritating poison, and will cause stringhalt and teta- 
nus in all their severest forms. As soon as the dose given 
as recommended above takes effect upon the system, which 
may be characterized by sudden spasmodic jerking of the 
muscles, the dose ought to be diminished or suspended. 
The disease generally admits only of palliation, and is ex- 
tremely apt to recur, and undoubtedly the most humane 
plan is to put the horse out of his misery by a well di- 
rected rifle ball. 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 65 

STRINGHALT. 

Stringbalt is characterized by a peculiar snatcliing up 
of the hind limbs in succession, which movement is en- 
tirely involuntary. The causes supposed are twofold : 
first, Messrs. Percivall, Goodwin, and Mayhew, suppose the 
cause to exist upon injury to the posterior portion of the 
spinal column. Dissection has revealed to them that " the 
injured part throws out a spicula of bone no larger than a 
needle-point perhaps, but it presses upon the spinal mar- 
row, and lasting stringhalt is the result." Secondly, 
McClure and others think the " balance of power is not 
equal, the articulary ligaments of the hock-joint are strong- 
er than the muscles of the thigh. Hence, the moment the 
horse lifts his foot from the ground the leg is instantane- 
ously snatched up by the power of the ligaments." The 
writer's idea of the causes are in accordance with both of 
these observations : the first, of stringhalt in its severest 
form, where it is perceptible at every step ; the second, ia 
cases where stringhalt is seen only for a few steps after 
the animal has started, or when he is forced to back up. 
Many colts before breaking, or before they are three years 
old, show these symptoms, especially in cold weather, and 
never become much worse during their lives, unless horri. 
bly abused — a disease with their nervous temperament, 
which they have inherited from their sire or dam. ■ 

There is no known treatment of the slightest avail. 

SUN-STROKE-COUP LE SOLIEL. 

This disease consists in sudden prostration and stupid- 
ity, caused by the action of the sun's rays and excessive 
heat. The prognosis is very unfavorable, except in a mild 
case. Remove the horse into a cool shady place, take off 
the harness and give carbonate of ammonia one drachm, 
tincture of ginger four drachms, and a quart of ale, as a 



66 DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT. 

drench, to act as a powerful stimulant to excite the action 
of the whole nervous and vascular system ; keep the head 
wet with ice-water, by placing a sponge full of the liquid 
between the ears. The temperatm-e of the body should be 
carefully watched, and everything possible should be done 
for the comfort of the patient. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Diseases of the Nose and Throat, 

Bleeding at the Nose.— Nasal Gleet.— Catakrh. — Epidemic Catarrh 

Sore Throat, or Laryngitis.— Codoh Eearing High Blowing and 

Wheezing. — Bronchocele. 

BLEEDING AT THE NOSE (EPISTAXIS). 

The causes of bleeding at the nose, or epistaxis, are two- 
fold, namely : the rupture of blood vessels in the mem- 
brane of the nose, or hemorrhage from the lungs. The or- 
ganization of the membrane of the nose is very favorable 
to it, as the blood vessels are but slightly supported. It 
generally flows drop by drop perfectly fluid from but one 
nostril. Its exciting causes are anything that will induce 
local congestions, as running, coughing, blowing the nose, 
etc., especially in fat over-fed horses. A common case of 
epistaxis requires but little treatment. Astringent washes 
of alum, sulphate of zinc, tannin, or an infusion of matico 
leaves may be syringed up the nostril. If it should recur 
give a light diet and a dose of physic. 

Hemorrhage from the lungs may be characterized by 
frothy blood flowing from both nostrils. The treatment 
can seldom do more than palliate. Bleeding from the neck 
vein, and giving sixty to seventy drops fluid extract of 



DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT. 6t 

digitalis will arrest the flow of blood, but at best the life 
will only be prolonged for a short time. 

NASAL GLEET. 

This is a disease which consists in a distortion of the 
face and an irreg'ular dischai-ge of foitid matter from one 
nostril, caused by an ulcerated molar tooth in the upper 
jaw, injuries to the frontal bones, or by catarrh. 

In the treatment, remove the irritating cause, if any, 
swab out the nostril with water and carbolic acid — a pint 
of the former to four drachms of the latter. Feed green 
food. Give a dose of physic or alterative medicine to pu- 
rify the blood. 

CATARRH. 

Catarrh may occur in three varieties which, however, 
are merely manifestations of the same disease with differ- 
ent or severer symptoms. When it occurs as an inflam- 
mation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavities ac- 
companied by slight general fever, it is called catarrh, or 
cold ; when the discharge becomes chronic and tends to 
last long or even indefinitely, chronic catarrh, or ozena ; 
and when it occurs us an epidemic, attacking a number of 
horses at the same time, and which is referred to some 
particular condition of the atmosphere, with which we are 
utterly ignorant. It differs from indemic, the latter being 
owing to locality, but it is obvious that should a particu- 
lar constitution of the air exist, along with a favoring en- 
demic condition, these combined influences may act in the 
causation of this disease, called epidemic catarrh, catarrh- 
al fever, influenza, distemper, morfoundering, etc. These 
names apply to one common disease, which we will call 
epidemic catarrh. 

Catarrh, or cold, is caused in most instances by ex- 
posure. The first thing observed is slight shivering, ac« 



68 DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT, 

companied by a staring coat. But as the disease ad- 
vances the membrane of the nose becomes red, dry and 
swollen, then wet with a discharge which soon becomes 
yellow, thick and purulent. The eyes are generally in- 
flamed, the horse is dull and drowsy, with no appetite, ow- 
ing partly to the impaired state of his health. The treat- 
ment will depend upon the severity of the case. In mild 
cases, usually, by not exposing the horse for a few days, 
and giving every night a bran mash with five or six 
drachms of powdered nitre in it will suffice, together with 
drinks of slippery elm or linseed tea. In more severe 
cases, however, where the bowels are costive, and a severe 
cough accompanied with fever, green food and bran 
mashes may be given until the bowels become laxative- 
Fifteen drops tincture of aconite mixed in a little water 
should be given thrice daily until the fever abates, when 
it should be suspended and a tablespoonful of the follow- 
ing may be giv0n every night to relieve the cough : take 
of powdered gum myrrh one ounce, oil tar one ounce, 
tincture of ipecac and squills, of each one ounce, honey 
two ounces, alcohol one pint ; mix, and shake tlie bottle 
well before using. Dose, one tablespoonful every night. 
If the throat is sore a liniment of equal parts hartshorn, 
oils spike and oi'iganum may be rubbed in night and 
morning. 

Should the discharge become chronic, foetid and puru- 
lent from the nasal passages, injections of rhatany and 
brorao-chloralum will be found useful. The following is 
the ordinary plan of treatment adopted : take of bromo- 
chloralum one-half ounce, and mix with thirteen ounces of 
decoction of rhatanj' root ; shake well, and inject a quan- 
tity up the nostril daily. 



DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT. 69 

EPIDEMIC CATAERH. 

This disease is observed to be particularly prevalent in 
the spring of the year or in a wet and unhealthy autumn. 
It is not contagious, but is brought on as an epidemic by 
the same causes being applied to nearly all subjects alike, 
which is the particular condition of the atmosphere with 
alterations of heat and cold moisture and dryness. The 
symptoms are at first similar to those already described as 
pertaining to common catarrh, but as the disease advances 
the fever is more severe and does not abate at the custo- 
mary period. The appearance of the horse is character- 
istic of severe disease. The disease almost in every in- 
stance begins with a shivering fit, pulse weak and slightly 
accelerated ; the eyes and membrane of the nose are red- 
der than usual, and sometimes his glands, submaxillary 
and parotid, are tumefied ; there is no appetite, and the 
belly is tucked up. On the second or third day excessive 
weakness comes on, the cough becomes more painful, and 
there is generally a heaving of the flanks. The treatment 
may in most cases be cut very short. As soon as the 
shivering is observed, give one ounce sweet spirits of ni- 
tre, and clothe him warmly with hood and blankets, hand- 
rub and bandage his limbs, and it is more than probable 
that the disease will be cut short. But should the disease 
have gone on unobserved, to the appearance of the sj-mp- 
toms detailed, the treatment then should be conducted on 
the principle of husbanding the strength. Bleeding and 
physicking here means murder. Diminish the vital action, 
by giving fifteen drops tincture of aconite in a little wa- 
ter three times daily, and if the throat is sore, blister as 
recommended for common catarrh. Should the disease 
put on the typhoid type or run on to bronchitis or inflam- 
mation of the kings, the case must be treated according lo 
the directions hereafter laid down for those diseases. 



10 DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT. 

SORE THEOAT, OR LARYNGITIS. 

Sore thi'oat (as we have already shown,) may originate 
from other causes, however, laryngitis is by far the most 
common disease which provokes it. Laryngitis is a dis- 
ease which consists in an inflammation of the larynx, 
caused by exposure, the breathing of noxious vapors, and 
the cruelty of the bearing-rein. When it is present the 
symptoms are short and quick breathing, attended by a 
gurgling noise, which may be heard at a little distance 
from the horse, or by placing the ear against the trachea ; 
want of appetite, accompanied by an inability to swallow. 
In the act of drinking, the greatest part of the water re- 
turns by the nostrils, and what does enter the gullet is 
forced down by a series of audible gulps. The horse ex- 
hibits great pain. When the larynx is pressed upon, vio- 
lent paroxyms of coughing becomes frequent, and the ani- 
mal at times is almost suffocated. The neck is stiff, and 
as the inflammation inci-eases, considerable swelling of the 
throat ensues. The pulse is quick and throbbing, and the 
membrane of the nose is of a scarlet hue. 

In the treatment, the pulse requires our first attention. 
The pulsations should be reduced to the standard 35 to 40 
beats a minute, by a dose of tincture of aconite, fifteen 
drops in a little water, which should be repeated every 
fifteen minutes until vital action is diminished. After 
this, prepare the following drench : chlorate of potash two 
drachms, water one gill ; mix, and give three times daily ; 
blister the throat as recommended for common catarrh, 
and clothe him with hood and blanket. Always keep 
within his reach a pail of griiel and a drink of slippery 
elm or linseed tea. In severe cases, where the animal is 
almost suffocated, he should be steamed as described by 
Mayhew, four or five times a day, which may be done in 
the following manner : " procui-e a large bag and put into 
it a pail of saw-dust, over which pour one ounce spirits 



DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT. 71 

turpentine ; fasten the bag to the horse's head, then pour 
boiling water upon the saw-dust, through an opening at 
the side of the bag ; renew the boiling water every twenty- 
minutes, and retain the bag iipon the head an hour each 
time." 

COUGH. 

Cough consists in an effort to disgorge morbid secretions 
which are thrown out by the glands of the mouth and 
throat, and sometimes by the lungs ; also to force secre- 
tions from the glands necessary to the comfort of the mu- 
cous membranes. Every disease that affects the respira- 
tory organs, whether the lai-ynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs or 
pleura, will give rise to a cough ; and if the disease be- 
comes chronic so will the cough. Also, indigestion and 
the irritation caused by worms are apt to cause more or 
less coughing, by sympathetically affecting the lungs and 
throat. The only plan of treatment likely to be successful 
is to ascertain the cause of irritation and remove it. Yet 
cough sometimes remains after an acute attack of disease 
has been thoroughly subdued. 

Cough attends more frequently as a symptom than as a 
disease ; however, the hot and contaminated atmosphere of 
the stables, coarse and dusty hay and irregular work will 
give rise to cough, as a distinct affection of the larynx. 
For the cure of chronic cough, keep the horse in a stable 
where the air is pure and entirely free from the noxious 
vapors of ammonia ; feed scalded oats or bran mashes, 
clean bright hay, and wet the same, and give linseed or 
slippery elm tea for drink. Clothe comfortable, and give 
half a pint of the following, as a drench : spirits turpen- 
tine two ounces, mucilage slippery elm six ounces, gum 
ammoniacum half an ounce, balsam tolu one diachm, lico- 
rice one drachm, tincture opium three ounces, water two 
quarts. Should no improvement result, some of the other 



72 DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT. 

expectorants laid down in the Pharmacopoeia may be sub- 
stituted. 

EOAEING. 

Roaring in all its varieties may be caused by the abuse 
of the bearing-rein. The horse checked up tight, has a 
continued pressure upon the larynx ; or chronic cough 
may continue till the membrane covering the larynx be- 
comes thickened and sensitive ; then cough and roaring;^ 
are companions through life. 

There is no treatment of the slightest avail. Mr. Reeve ' 
discovered a way to prevent the noise generally made by 
roarers, which consists in passing a strap around the nose 
of the horse just over the region of the false nostrils, with 
pads upon the inner surface to press upon said false nos- 
trils and diminish the channel of the true ones. This 
principle, according to Reeve's idea, " is to modify the at- 
mospheric supply to the lungs, that during exercise the 
volume of air, when it arrives at the glottis, should not 
exceed that which passed through its opening, when the 
horse was tranquil, and which (from the fact of the sound 
being absent,) does not at that time produce roaring." 

High-blowing and wheezing are perfectly liealthy and 
natural habits, which admit of no remedy. 

BEONCHOCELE. 

This disease signifies an hypertrophy, or morbid enlarge- 
ment of the thyroid gland. This body resides upon the 
larynx, immediately under the jaw. It is a projecting tu- 
mor, occasionally as large as a 1 en's egg, in the situation 
and of the shape of the thyroid gland. 

Bronchocele is what is termed an endemic disease, that 
is, one extremely prevalent in certain localities, amongst 
which may be mentioned the chalky parts of England and 
the mountainous mining districts of the United States, 



DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND ITS CONTENTS. T3 

especially in the ueighborhoocl of the Lake Superior iron 
mines. The drinking of water impregnated with calcare- 
ous particles is perhaps the most probable cause that can 
be assigned. It rarely causes any inconvenience, except 
occasionally, difficulty of breathing, especially when the 
horse is drove with a tight bearing-rein. It however, gen- 
erally yields to treatment without the animal having any 
i^ extraordinary care or attention. Let the following drink 
' be given every night : iodide of ammonia ten grains, 
,- chloroform one drachm, camphor water eight ounces. At 
the time stated for giving the drink rub into the enlarge- 
ment thoroughly a portion of the annexed ointment : io- 
dide of ammonia four drachms, glycerine four drachms, 
lard thi-ee drachms. 



CHAPTER X. 

Diseases of the Chest and its Contents. 

Bronchitis, or Inflammation of the Air Passages.— Pneumonia, or 

Inilammation of the Lungs — Pleurisy. — Hydrothorix Heaves. — 

Spasms of the Diaphragm. — Diseases of the Heart. 

■BEONCHITIS, OE INFLAMMATION OF THE AIR 
PASSAGES. 

Bronchitis is an inflamra:ition of the lining membrane 
of the bronchial tubes, and may be caused by whatever 
obstructs the perspiration — generally the legitimate fruits 
of the master's cruelty. He drives far and fast till the 
horse's sides are bedewed with perspiration. He stops 
at the front of some pleasant mansion, and remains for 
an uncertain period under the roof, making himself com- 
fortable beside the blazing fire, or enjoying a social glass 
4 



14 DISEASES OF THE CHEsT AND ITS CONTENTS. 

with his friends. During that time the Iiorse stands out- 
side, shivering and freezing in the mud or pelted by the 
storm. Mayhew remarks : " Let the horse be rendered 
comfortable, and the man be stationed outside. The re- 
sult would be the same ; the man would in that case 
possibly suffer from bronchitis. Does intelligence require 
a more startling evidence of the link which binds master 
and servant while sojourners upon this earth ?" 

As a consequence of that treatment, a cold, perhaps, was 
first observed ; next inflammation of the larynx. But as 
the inflammation extends downward from the larynx 
through the trachea, into the bronchi and air passages 
of the lungs, it has an aptitude to involve the entire 
contents of the thoi'ax. The membrane of the bronchial 
is sensibly diminished by becoming filled with blood so 
that great difBculty and an increased rapidity of breath- 
ing is the consequence. The appetite is gone, and the 
horse is averse to move ; he remains standing and mo- 
tionless, from an evident dread of suffocation. There is a 
hard dry cough, evidently sui^pressed and painful ; the 
breathing quick and audible ; the nasal membrane of a 
deep florid red ; the temperature of the legs and body is 
very uneven — here cold as ice — there of a blood heat ; 
danger cannot be mistaken. When the ear is placed to 
the throat and chest there is heard a dry rattling sound. 
Upon the formation of mucous, this is succeeded by gurg- 
ling soap-bubble sounds ; this frothy mucous poured from 
the membrane still further interferes with breathing, and 
provokes a constant cough to get rid of it. 

Treatment. — Philosophy teaches that by exposure, if cold 
has driven the blood from the surface, heat will draw it 
back, and thus relieve the internal engorgements, and if 
held there sufficiently long, or until Nature is again capa- 
ble of carrying on the circulation in her own way, a cure 
Tvill be effected. The first thing to be done is to place the 



DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND ITS CONTENTS. 75 

horse in a large loose box-stall, where there is a pure at- 
mosphere ; then clothe him warmly with hood and blan- 
kets ; next administer an alcohol sweat, by placing an 
ii'on kettle on the floor under the horse ; into this pour 
some alcohol and set it on fire ; mind the blankets hang 
well down, so that he will have the wliole benefit of the 
heat. Keep the alcohol burning until the patient is in a 
profuse sweat, at the same time steep a teaspoonful of 
cayenne pepper in two gills of alcohol, and rub the limbs 
with it long and well, and apply woolen bandages ; main- 
tain the perspiration produced with the burning alcohol 
until the disease yields to the treatment, by giving every 
three hours a pint of tea as a drench, made of equal parts 
of pleurisy root and catnip ; or, in absence of this, give at 
night liquor acetate of ammonia three ounces, sweet spir- 
its of nitre one ounce. Give every half hour tincture of 
aconite fifteen drops, tinct. belladonna one drachm, mixed in 
a wine-glass of water. Keep the patient well covered all 
the time and avoid drafts of cold air. If the perspiration 
is hard to maintain, and the breathing continues difficult, 
rub the whole surface with the alcohol and cayenne pep- 
per, especially the region of the thoric organs. Let the 
food consist entirely of thick gruel, and his drink tepid 
slippery elm or linseed tea. Grass may be allowed upon 
recovery being assured, and when hay is given, mind it is 
thoroughly damped. Nothing more retards recovery or 
provokes a cough after bronchitis than the inhalation of 
dust with which hay is so often covered. 

As the symptoms begin to subside the doses of medicine 
may be lessened, and the time between doses lengthened 
until the disease is fairly under control. This course may 
be repeated, or modified to meet returning or changing 
symptoms. 



76 DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND ITS CONTENTS. 

PNEUMONIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

As this disease affects an organ which is absolutely 
necessary to life, it must be always attended with danger. 
An inflammation of the lungs is sometimes a primary dis- 
ease ; but generally, it is the consequences of other dis- 
eases, as epidemic catarrh, bronchitis, pleurisy, etc. It 
arises from the same causes as bronchitis or pleurisy, 
namely, an obstructed perspiration from exposure ; or 
from over exertion, accompanied by a consequent absence 
of nervous energy, called congestion of the lungs. 

Pneumonia generally begins with a chill, the horse 
shivering all over ; the extremities are deathly cold ; the 
breathing is quick and distressed ; the pulse, though op- 
pressed, is quick, beating from 65 to 10 per minute ; 
there is a short cough, evidently causing violent pain ; 
the mouth and breath are very hot, and the legs are sepa- 
rated outward to the farthest limit. On placing your ear 
to the side, if a sucking or crackling noise is heard or like 
a pair of bellows to work, make up your mind to a case 
of pneumonia. No time must be lost. Remove the suf- 
ferer to a box-stall, and bleed ; let the blood flow from a 
large orifice till the patient is relieved, which may be 
known by the animal raising the head and the lividity of 
the eye denoting a sense of life. Bleed only once, and if 
a little blood abstracted accomplishes the object in view, 
that little is sufficient. Be guided neither by the quantity 
drawn or by the pulse. Bleed only to attack the disease 
and relieve the heart and lungs ; but n'jver attack the 
horse, by bleeding him until he is ready to fall. After 
bleeding give the same treatment as directed for bron- 
chitis : the alcohol sweat, rubbing and bandaging the 
legs, medicine, food, drink, etc. An expectorant in con. 
firmed cases will be needed. Let it be the same as recom- 
mended for catarrh : powdered gum myrrh one ounce, oil 



DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND ITS CONTENTS. It 

of tar one ounce, tincture of ipecac one ounce, tincture of 
squills one ounce, honey two ounces, alcohol one pint. 
Mix, and give as a dose one tablespoonful three times a 
day. 

PLEURISY. 

Pleurisy is an inflammation of that membrane called 
the pleura, which covers the lungs, and which is also 
folded upon the sides or walls of the chest. Pleurisy, like 
the other diseases of the respiratory organs, usually begins 
with a chill. It is attended with a sharp violent paiu in 
the side, difficult breathing, with a quick, full and hard 
pulse. The ear placed against the side detects a grating 
sound, and the respiratory murmur is dull. As the dis- 
ease advances, the pain in the side becomes so violent and 
lancinating that pressure made on the interspaces between 
the ribs will almost deprive the animal of consciousness. 

The timid animal shrinks and tries to avoid the tor- 
mentor ; full breathing cannot be indulged, from its in- 
creasing the difficulty. Before the breath is half drawn 
the flanks fly backward ; the cough also aggravates the 
pain ; the fore foot is scarcely ever quiet ; the head is fre- 
quently turned toward the side with a look expressing 
anxiety and suffering. 

The condition of the system clearly indicates the treat- 
ment. The temperature of the surface and extremities is 
much diminished, showing that the blood has gone to the 
internal organs which are the least able to bear it. 

The first indication is to relieve the pleura from the in- 
creased flow of blood to it. For this purpose bleed but 
once until relieved. This done, restore and maintain the 
circulation by sweating with burning alcohol, and adopt 
the same treatment as directed for bronchitis. Mind and 
give the drinks of pleui'isy root and catnip. 

The first marked sign of improvement during diseases 
of the lungs is the animal lying down. Permit him to lie 



78 DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND ITS CONTENTS. 

quietly, respect his repose, and be grateful your horse has 
so far recovered from such dangerous diseases. 

HYDROTHOEIX. 

Hydrothorix, or water in the cavity of the chest, is one 
of the unfavorable terminations of pleurisy. The inflam. 
mation of the pleura has terminated in eiiusion, and serum 
is thrown out — the means by which the serous membrane 
relieves itself, or the inflammation may terminate in sup- 
puration of the pleura, empyema — abscess of the chest. 
In either case, the matter floats in the thoric cavity and 
can only be discharged by an incision betwixt the ribs. 
Hydrothorix may be indicated by great difficulty of breath- 
ing, especially when the front quarters are the lowest. 
Place the ear to the side while an assistant strikes the 
horse a sharp slap on the opposite one ; if a dull sound is 
heard— splashing noise, audible, with entire absence of re- 
spiratory murmur, all is confirmed. The horse has dropsy 
of the chest. 

The treatment consists in drawing the skin forward, and 
passing a trocar between the eighth and ninth ribs, up- 
ward and onward until resistance ceases ; the trocar is 
then within the cavity. Withdraw the stilet and the wa- 
ter usually flows forth ; when the trocar is withdrawn, let 
the skin fly back to form a valve over the wound. 

HEAVES. 

Heaves, broken wind, thick wind, and wheezing, are all 
terms vaguely applied to one disease, namely, emphysema 
of the lungs. Injuries or diseases of the larynx, trachea, 
bronchi, or lungs, are the most frequent causes of this 
affection. It consists in the infiltration of air into the 
areolar texture, or dilatation and rupture of the air-cells. 
The air is inhaled into the lungs quickly ; but in exhala- 
tion, the lungs are too weak to expel all the air ; there- 



DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND ITS CONTKNTS. 'l'^) 

fore, a quantity of unchanged air is left in the lung-s. This 
unchanged air being carbonized, is a constant source of 
irritation. To get rid of this the horse makes two acts of 
exhalation. But the lungs have not power to expel it, and 
immediately after this second act the muscles relax and 
the flanks fall in. This confirms the case as soon as ob- 
served. 

The treatment can only mitigate the symptoms, a cure 
is impossible. By no means can the art or science of man 
build up the ruptured walls of the pulmonary tissue. The 
disease may be concealed in a great measure by feeding 
cut food, dumped hay, carx'ots, potatoes, etc., attention to 
feeding and exercise, and by giving a dose every night of 
the second expectorant for chronic cough laid down in the 
Pharmacopoeia, especially when the cough is severe and 
breathing difficult, is all undoubtedly that can be done. 

SPASMS OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 

The diaphragm is a muscle stretched transversely be- 
tween the thoric and abdominal cavities, which it sepa- 
rates from each other. When it contracts the chest is en- 
larged, and the abdomen diminished. It is then an in- 
spiratory muscle. It is also an expiratory muscle by 
diminishing the capacity of the chest. When this muscle 
is overstrained by a severe drive, it acts spasmodically in 
drawing in the air, which places the horse at once in dan- 
ger of suffocation. It may be characterized by the inter- 
nal organ giving a sudden flap. There is no cure for 
this malady. Relief may be aiforded by giving the.fol- 
ing drench : Take of c'nloroform and tincture of opium, 
of each one ounce. Mix in one gill of water, and give 
every three hours until relieved, and afterwards use the 
horse affected with it only at slow work. 



80 DISEASES OF THE CHEST AND ITS CONTENTS. 

DISEASES OF THE HEART. 

The diseases of the heart which the horse is subject to 
are characterized by the following names : pericarditis, 
dropsy of the heart, heart clot, and hypertrophy. The 
causes of heart disease are unknown. Yet pericarditis 
probably arises from constitutional causes, as without ap- 
propriate blood material no inflammation can be perpetu- 
ated. 

Pericarditis consists in an inflammation of the pericar- 
dium, which is a membranous sac which envelops the 
heart and the arterial and venous trunks that pass from 
or into it. 

The symptoms which point out that the pericardium is 
the seat of disease, are the following : The pulse is jar- 
ring and jerking ; the breathing is by catches ; the skin 
is often bathed with sweat, as in acute rheumatism, which 
is often found in connection with it, forming one of the 
most dangerous occurrences ; the action of the heart is 
evident to the eye, and pain will be occasioned by pres- 
sure over the region of the heart ; on ausculation, the 
movements are found jerking and tumultuous, and a sound 
of a sawing or rasping character will be heard. As the 
local symptoms resemble those of pneumonia, adopt no 
treatment until the case is confirmed, when bleed freely, 
and follow with a drench of chloroform and tincture of 
opium, one ounce of each, mixed in one-half pint water. 
All the means required in the most violent internal inflam- 
mations maybe used. This is generally an incurable dis- 
ease ; therefore a sudden and unexpected death is usually 
the issue. 

Dropsy of the heart depends on diseases of that organ. 

Heart clot consists in collections of blood in the heart. 
The presence of this disorder may be suspected during the 
course of pericarditis, and especially at the close of diseases 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 81 

of the lungs, the heart's action becomes suddenly tumult- 
uous, accompanied with a muimuiing sound. 

Hypertrophy, or fatty degeneration o.f the heart, is often 
met with among well conditioned animals. The pulse is 
strong, full and jarruig ; and, on the least excitement, the 
shock of the heart's action will shake the whole body. 

There is no remedy of the slightest avail. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Diseases of the Stomach and Bowels. 

Dyspepsia.— Bo TS.—WouMs.— Inflammation op tue Bowels. — Spasmodic 
Colic— Flatolent Colic— Dysentery. — Prolapsis of the Rectum. — 
Paralysis of the Sphineter Muscle. — Dropsy of tue Abdomen. 

DYSPEPSIA. 

Dyspepsia, or cribbing, is a very common disease among 
horses which have been long inhabitants of the stable, 
especially when they are constantly fed on the same arti- 
cles. The horse is surrounded by ignorance and neglect 
on every side. Man requires a change of diet, yet he ex- 
pects the horse, exposed to the noxious vapors of a con- 
fined stable, to go on eating hay and oats for years to- 
gether, without injury to health. The perpetual feeding 
on the same articles disarrange the digestion and cause 
the generation of acid gasses in the stomach. When we 
observ.e the human dyspeptic subject expelling wind, and 
at the same time consider the horse's inability to vomit, 
we cannot, therefore, wonder, to see the horse resort to 
some such act as cribbing or the licking of cold sub- 
stances to relieve his stomach of the burning acid gasses. 
Cribbing consists in placing the upper incisor teeth 

against any solid substance, and from this fixed point the 
4* 



82 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 

animal strains backward, curbs and excites the muscles of 
the neck, and a portion of wind, accompanied by a grunt, 
is forced up. 

Dyspepsia, like many otlier diseases is more easily ac- 
quired than cured. To relieve cribbing, first render the 
air of the stable pure. Give a daily allowance of salt, and 
the alterative laid down in the PharmacopcBia for debility 
of stomach, with a moderate change of food, may be tried 
with great probability of success. 

BOTS. 

According to the investigation of Bracy Clark, " the two 
principal kinds of fly of the same species whence the bot 
is derived are the aistrus equi and a^strus hamorrhoidalis. 

" The astrus equi, or stomach bot, deposits her eggs on 
the hair of the horse inside of the knee and next to this on 
the side and back part of the shoulder, and less frequently 
on the extreme end of the hairs of the mane. But it is a 
fact worthy of attention that the fly does not place them 
promiscuously about the body, but constantly on those 
parts vphich are most liable to be licked with the tongue, 
and the ova, therefore, are always scrupulously placed 
within its reach. 

" The part chosen by the sestrus hsemorrhoidalis for the 
purpose of depositing her eggs, is the lips of the horse. 
These flies appear sometimes to hide themselves in the 
grass, and as the horse stoops to graze, they dart on the 
mouth or lips, and are always observed to poise them- 
selves during a few seconds in the air, while the egg is 
preparing on the extended point of the abdomen. 

" The eggs thus deposited, when they remain on tlic 
hairs four or five days, become ripe, after which time the 
slightest application of warmth and moisture is suffici<:"nt 
to bring forth in an instant the latent larva. At this 
time, if the tongue of the horse touches the egg, its oper- 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. »d 

culum is thrown open, and a small active worm is pro- 
duced, which readily adheres to the moist surface of the 
tongue, and is from thence conveyed with the food to the 
stomach. 

" At its first hatching, it is, as we have observed, a 
small active worm, long in proportion to its thickness, 
but as its growth advances, it becomes proportionably 
thicker and broader, and beset with bristles. 

" They are very frequent in horses that have been 
at grass, and are in general, found adhering to the 
white insensible tissue, or coat of the stomach. 

" They usually hang in dense clusters to this white cu- 
ticular lining of the stomach, and maintain their hold 
by means of two dark brown hooks, between which a 
longitudinal slit, or fissure, is seen, which is the mouth 
of the larva. When removed from the stomach by the 
finger, by a sudden jerk, so as not to injure them, they 
will, if fresh and healthy, attach themselves to any 
loose membrane, and even to the skin of the hand. For 
this purpose, they sheath, or draw back the hooks al- 
most entirely within the skin, till the two points come 
close to each other ; they then present them to the 
membrane, and, keeping them parallel till it is pierced 
through, they expand them in a lateral direction, and 
afterwards, by bringing the points downward towards 
themselves, they include a sufficient piece of the mem- 
brane to remain firmly fixed for any length of time as at 
anchor, without requiring any further exertion, 

" These bots, as is also the case with two or three other 
species, pass the autumn, winter and spring months iu the 
stomach, and arrive about the commencement or middle 
of the summer at their full growth, requiring a twelve- 
month fully to complete their structure. " 

For the above the writer is indebted to the talented 
essay, written by Bracy Clark, on "Bots in the Horse and 



84 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 

other Animals," and for ample particulars, we will refer 
the reader to that work. 

According to the above authority, bots once within the 
stomach must remain there till the following year, when 
being matured, their hold of the membrane of the stomach 
will relax, and they are expelled from the System in the 
form of a chrysalis. Bots are known to be injurious. 
Healthy animals are seldom troubled with parasites. 
When the bots are ejected from the system their sticking 
more or less within the opening of the anus and adhering 
to its soft lining produces considerable irritation and un- 
easiness, and, as the bot is an unnatural inhabitant of the 
stomach, it must produce considerable uneasiness in the 
stomach and bowels. 

In the sheep, as soon as the larvae are hatched from the 
eggs they crawl up through the nose to the sinus of the 
frontal, or of the maxillary bone into the cells of the eth- 
moid bone, or into the cavities of the uvula, and here they 
frequently accumulate in such numbers that they prove 
fatal. To cure the malady iu the sheep the parasite may 
be removed by introducing snuff or lime into the nose to 
produce violent sneezing. 

We have, however, no evidence that the bot ever de- 
stroys the horse. The evident dread of the horse at the 
approach of the fly, or the stomach being found after death 
riddled with the parasite, is no proof that they killed him. 
At that season of the year the horse is continually teased 
with flies, till, at length, every muscle of the skin appears 
to act involuntarily and with regard to the perforated 
stomach. God, in his infinite wisdom, created every in- 
sect with a natural instinct ; and as soon as the horse 
dies, the bot, with the teaching of that natural instinct cats 
through, in order to leave a dead carcass, and seek es- 
cape from certain death. He finds that his old habitation 
is no longer a safe one, and hence his desperate endeavors 
to get away. 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 85 

The bot once within the stomach of the horse remains 
secure in spite of all the art or medication of man, until 
matured. Past experience proves it more easy to kill the 
horse than to make the bot let go his hold, and in no case 
does he let go his hold before matured, unless the animal 
dies. And in every case that the horse is doctored for 
bots, he is, in our opinion, suffering from some other dis- 
ease. Therefore the treatment we recommend for bots is 
a severe letting alone, and the milk and molasses, the 
sage tea and fresh meat can be thrown to the pigs. 

WOEMS. 

The worms which afflict the horse may be divided into 
four varieties, namely : the taenia, or tape-worm, lumbrici, 
ascarides and stronguli. 

The continued intestinal irritation which worms cause, 
when really present, may provoke several disorders. How- 
ever, the only certain proof of their existence is visible 
evidence when they are expelled from the system in the 
excrement. 

The tasnia, or tape-worm, preys chiefly upon the debili- 
tated, starved colt, and is mostly perpetuated, according 
to the authority of Mayhew, " by the farmer's prejudice, 
which procures foals from dams that are done up for 
work, which starves the mother till her produce runs by 
her side, and which attempts to rear young stock upon the 
sour grass of a public common." The symptoms of tape- 
worm, as described by the above-named talented gentle, 
man, are as follows : "The developments are checked. 
The foal grows up with a large 'head, low crest, tumefied 
abdomen, and long legs. If it be a male it cannot be op- 
erated upon before the fourth year. Even then it is cast 
only because there is no hope of future improvement. The 
appetite during the long time of rearing is more than 
good. The ribs, nevertheless are not covered with flesli ; 



86 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AxN'D BOWKl.S. 

the dung is not well comminuted, it is friable and some- 
times partially coated with slime ; the anus projects ; oc- 
casionally it is soiled by adherent strips of tenacious mu- 
cous, almost like to membrane ; the coat is unhealthy ; the 
breath foetid ; the animal may rub its nose violently 
against a wall or remain straining it upward for a consid- 
erable time ; the eye becomes unnaturally bright ; the 
colt begins to pick and bite its body, often pulling oiT hair 
by the mouthful." When the case is clearly made out the 
plan of treatment is as follows : give the first anthelmintic 
prescription laid down in the Pharmacopoeia at night, and 
follow by a purge next morning, or take fifty drops of the 
oil of the male fern, mix with molasses and linseed meal 
enough to form a ball, give at night, and follow by a 
purge next morning, and allow nothing but slippery elm 
tea for drink. Either of the above prescriptions can be 
repeated within a week, if necessai-y. 

The lumbrici is a species resembling the common earth 
worm in all respects but color, which is a pinkish white. 
This worm inhabits the small intestines, and afflicts the weak- 
ly, be they old or young. The symptoms are a rough, staring 
coat, a craving appetite, and the passage of mucous with 
the excrement. To expel them, give the same treatment 
as recommended for tape-worm. 

The ascarides and stronguli, the smaller species of in- 
testinal worms, chiefly inhabit the rectum, but are occa- 
sionally found in the colon and CfBCum. The term pin- 
worm and thread worm is more commonly applied to this 
species. The only symptom by which their presence can 
be made out is the horse rubbing his tail, and visible evi- 
dence. As most medicines are rendered inoperative be- 
fore they reach the large intestines, the best remedies for 
these worms is by the injecting every morning, for a week 
or more, a quart of slippery elm tea containing two 
drachms spirits turpentine. 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 87 

INFLAMMATION OP THE EOWELS-ENTEEITIS. 

Inflammation of the bowels is a vei-y distinct disease 
from the colic, with which it is, however, very apt to be 
confounded, to the destruction of many horses. The 
causes are various, and, unfortunately, are in a great 
measure, purely conjectural, such as a sudden translation 
of cold after great heat, or from the removal of a horse 
from grass at once into heated stables, clothing and dry 
food ; neglected colic or long continued costiveness, ex- 
cessive driving, and the Immediate drinking of cold 
water, etc. These, however, are but the exciting causes. 
The principal thing, therefore, is the constitutional or pre- 
disposing cause, where the animal inclines towards a par- 
ticular disease, and any irritation may provoke it. These 
causes we are at present too ignorant to recognize, yet we 
know that without appropriate blood material no inflam- 
mation can be perpetuated. 

Enteritis may afiect both the peritoneal and the mucous 
coat of the intestines ; and in violent cases all the coats 
maybe implicated. The structure of the mucous and peri- 
toneal coats is different ; so are their functions in health 
and in diseases. The inflammation of the serous coat re- 
sembles that of the cellular membrane : the inflammation of 
the mucous coat that of the skin. Therefore, the former 
is usually of a more active character. Inflammation of 
the mucous coat is generally attended with diarrhoea, and 
its pathology is identical with that of dysentery. Inflam- 
mation of the peritoneal coat is, on the other hand, gener- 
ally attended with costiveness. 

The essential symptoms of enteritis are violent abdomi- 
nal pain, increased on pressure, with inflammatory fever ; 
the pulse is quick, hard and wiry before the disease is 
fully established. The disease is usually ushered in by 
repeated shivering fits ; the horse is dull and stupid, and 



88 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 

may be frequently observed to turn his nose forcibly up- 
ward. As the disease advances, the symptoms become 
more violent ; the shivering subsides, and the horse at 
once suffers a mighty anguish, which he makes manifest 
by plunging, rolling and pawing, as he does in colic. In 
colic, the horse has violent fits of pain, but they remit, and 
be has intervals of rest. The pain in enteritis is more 
uniform, and one continued struggle. In colic the pulse is ( 
disturbed : in enteritis, it is quick and hard. In colic, 
pressure on the abdomen seems to relieve the pain : in 
enteritis it increases it ; in colic there are no marks of in- 
flammation, as red eyelids, inflamed nasal membrane, etc., , 
but in enteritis they are always present. In enteritis the 
agony accompanies all the movements of the diaphragm, 
thus the labor of respiration is thrown upon the walls of 
the thorix, the lungs can only partially dilate, which ren- 
ders the breathing short and quick, and the mouth is al- 
ways hot and dry, while in colic the breathing is deep and 
full, and only excited by the exertion. 

By attending to these distinguishing symptoms, enter- 
itis may be easily characterized from colic. In the treat- 
ment bleed copiously from a large orifice, and give the" 
following drench : tincture of aconite fifteen drops, 
tincture of opium one ounce, chloroform one ounce, water 
half a pint. This drink should be administered every half 
hour if the pain, pulse and general appearance demand it. 
Should the symptoms denote a lingering pain in the bow- 
els after the third drink is given, the belly should be fo^ 
mented with hot water, the bowels back racked, and the 
following drench should be given : castor oil one pint, 
tincture of opium one ounce. This drench should be re- 
peated every six hours till it operates, vvhich should be 
hastened by injections of epsom salts two ounces, warm 
soap suds one quart. This course may be repeated or 
modified to meet returning or changing symptoms. The 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 89 

food should be confined to thin gruel. Always keep a 
pail of gruel and one of slippery elm tea within his reach. 
No bran mashes or hay should be permitted to irritate the 
inflamed surfaces until the severity of the attack has 
abated. 

COLIC. 

Colic signifies an affection or pain in the colon. But it 
is employed in a more extensive signification. It includes 
every acute pain of the abdomen, aggravated at intervals. 
Therefore the varieties of colic depend on the cause. 
Thus we have spasmodic and flatulent colic 

Spasmodic colic consists in a partial contraction of the 
muscular coat of the intestines, similar in its features to 
cramp in tlie muscles of the leg. It is usually very sud- 
den in its attack, and always appears prepared for mis- 
chief, frequently destroying life quickly either by its irri- 
tation or by its degenerating into incurable enteritis. The 
part of the intestines it attacks becomes much diminished 
by the presence of the spasmodic contraction, but presently 
it vanishes, and an interval of ease is afforded the sufferer. 
Soon, however, it reappears on some other portion of the 
bowels, and thus, as Mayhew remarks, colic " dodges 
about, its attacks becoming more numerous and the inter- 
missions shorter as the period of its commencement grows 
more distant." 

The causes of spasmodic colic are not always apparent. 
Any cause may provoke it. Cold in its various forms is a 
parent of colic ; but under the form of cold water given 
when a horse is hot at the tail end of a hard drive, it is 
most common. 

The symptoms of colic are as follows : acute pain, fol- 
lowed by intervals of ease ; a few minutes elapse, and the 
anguish is renewed. During the spasm the horse is paw- 
ing, and the nose points to the flank ; he switches his tail, 



90 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 

and the hind foot is lifted to strike the belly ; he lies down 
and rolls upon his back, but no sooner done than he is 
upon his feet ; all his movements are quick ; in no posi- 
tion can he find relief; he sweats profusely about the 
head, neck and shoulders ; the spasm ceases, and he ap- 
pears apparently well, but it is soon renewed, add he goes 
through the same performance. 

In the treatment, as soon as a case is clearly made out, 
mix and give the following drench : chloroform one ounce, 
tincture of opium one ounce, water one-half pint ; mix, 
and give every half hour until relief is afforded. 

In absence of the above give one pint strong salt and 
water containing one ounce of ginger, every half hour. If 
the disease should prove obstinate, foment the belly with 
hot water, back-rake, and inject large quantities of warm 
water into the bowels. 

In flatulent colic the abdomen is enormously distended. 
It may be caused by the horse gorging upon green moist 
food ; but in the majority of cases, it springs from disor- 
dered digestion ; the stomach has lost its tone. The food 
ferments ; carbonic acid or sulphurated hydrogen gas is 
generated, and flatulent colic is the result. 

During this fermentation in the stomach, the gas is gen- 
erated sometimes with such rapidity, that stricture of the 
pyloric orifice takes place. Meanwhile the gas continues 
to generate and greatly rarify from the heat of the organ, 
and unless relief is afforded, there is imminent danger of 
rupture of the stomach, which is certain death. However, 
the gas generated in the stomach usually passes through 
the pyloris and small intestines into tlie caecum and colon, 
and these large intestines sometimes becomes so suddenly 
distended that stricture of the rectum takes place ; or the 
fermentation of the contents of the caecum and colon may 
produce the same results. It is evident that if such a 
stricture did not occur somewhere there could be no flatu- 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 91 

lent colic, since all the gas generated would very readily 
escape in the natural way. These gases distend the colon, 
and, as Stewart remai-ks, " when one part of the tube is 
drawn out the other part draws in ; or, in other words, 
when the colon is greatly distended there is a correspond- 
ing contraction of the rectum, and there the hard masses 
of excrement becomes so firmly impacted that it often re- 
quires a considerable manual exertion to dislodge them." 

In flatulent colic, the horse is very uneasy ; the breath- 
ing is laborious and loud ; he is frequently pawing, and rests 
first on one leg, then on the other ; great swelling of the 
belly, accompanied with a rumbling sound in the bowels. 

To allay the pain and neutralize the gases, give the chloro- 
form and opium drench every half hour until relief is af- 
forded. 

To relieve the bowels, back-rake ; remove the hard 
masses of excrement from the rectum with the hand, as to 
admit of a passage. When this point is reached the dan- 
ger is passed. 

DYSENTERY. 

Dysentery consists in an inflammation of the mucous 
membrane of the intestines. The seat of disease is generally 
in the colon and rectum. The chief symptoms of which are 
fever, more or less inflammatory, with frequent mucous or 
bloody evacuations, with violent pain in the bowels. The 
mucous of the intestines separates from them in large 
quantities, and comes away with the excrement surround- 
ing it ; or it sometimes appears in stringy evacuations 
like fat floating in water, and was termed by our ances- 
tors molten gi-ease, — they mistaking the morbid secretions 
from the bowels for the fat of the body melted down and 
passing off thus. Dysentery is very different from diar- 
rhea, which is a mere increase of the peristalic motion of 
the bowels, with an increase of their watery secretions. 



92 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 

Certain lank-sided, small carcassed animals will scour 
during work or upon the smallest change of food ; but 
such peculiarities, however, mostly check themselves ; and 
thus we will banish diarrhea from the list of diseases to 
which the horse is liable. 

Dysenteiy in the horse is not contagious nor epidemic, 
but is peculiarly confined to a diseased increase in the 
mucous secretions, always appearing in a sporadic form. 
The causes are impure air, imperfect nourishment, cold, 
overdriving, acrid substances within the intestines, Iarge| 
doses of aloes or croton oil, or the injudicious use of min- 
eral poisons, such as corrosive sublimate, arsenic, tartar 
emetic, etc., is a common parent. 

In the treatment the indications are : 1. To allay the( 
pain. 2. Husband the strength. 3. By some measure I 
supply the mucous lost to the bowels. 

1. To allay the pain, mix and give the following! 
drench every half hour until the pain is subdued : chloro-i 
form one ounce, tincture of opium one ounce, tincture of' 
catechu one ounce, slippery elm tea one pint. 

2. To husband the strength, the food should be of the 
best ; boiled linseed, boiled roots, boiled oats, barley, etc. 
No hay. Also, a good bed, and keep the body clothed. 

3. To supply the mucous lost to the bowels, give for: 
drink linseed or slippery elm tea, and throw up into the 
bowels copious injections of the same. 

PROLAPSUS OF THE HECTUM. 

This is an affection most common in the old weak 
horse. It consists in the protrusion of the lower por- 
tion of the rectum through the anus, and may depend 
on a natural laxity of the structure or be caused by 
violent straining in consequence of costiveness When- 
ever the protrusion occurs, the parts should be carefully ' 
washed, and then be replaced by pressure with the hand. 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 93 

Oil the hand and arm, and push the hand up into the anus, 
and it will carry the protruded part with it. Give nour- 
ishing food, and that of such a kind as to regulate the 
bowels and prevent costiveness, 

PARALYSIS OF THE SPHINCTER MUSCLE. 

This disease may be the result of previous inflammation, 
and although not painful, it is very annoying. The symp- 
toms exhibited are as follows : the bowels seldom if ever 
act of themselves ; purgatives bring the excrement to the 
rectum, but it has not contractile power enough to expel 
them, and there they would remain if their exit were not 
obtained by an injection or by back-raking ; the horse is 
all the while uneasy, often stands with one hind foot ad- 
vanced, and looking around to the seat of disease ; he is 
unable to move the tail, and the urine is voided in small 
quantities. 

The plan of treatment should be as follows : Take 
tincture prickly ash berries four ounces, tincture nux 
vomica three drachms. Mix, and inject one tablespoouful 
into the rectum three times a day. 

DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN-ASCITES. 

Ascites consists in a collection of serous fluid in. the 
abdomen. Ascites proper is dropsy of the peritoneum, the 
serous membrane lining the abdomen and enveloping its 
organs. It is rarely a primary disease ; but is a.lways 
dangerous, and but little susceptible of cure. It is caused 
jmost generally by obstructed circulation in some of the 
.viscera, or 'to excitement of the vessels of the abdominal 
organs. Dropsy, according to Dunglison, may be active 
or passive. " The former consists in an increased action 
of the exhalants so that those vessels pour out much more 
fluid than is absorbed. The latter arises from a state of 



94 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 

atomy of the absorbent vessels, which allow of an accumu- 
lation of fluid." 

The symptoms which characterize dropsy are, an in- 
creased size of the abdomen ; the animal appears dull and 
stupid ; remains in one position for a long time ; fever 
more or less inflammatory ; thirst ; loss of appetite ; 
weakness ; fluctuation ; constipation, and hide-bound. 

In the treatment, the various secretions must be acted 
upon, so that the demand being increased, the supply will 
have to be increased accordingly, and in this manner some 
of the collected fluids may be taken up by the absorbents. 
If the dropsy be very active, bleed. Give a dose of physic, 
and as soon as that is inoperative, give daily one ounce 
fluid extract of the trailing arbutus, mixed in one-half pint 
water ; or, instead, give one-half teaspoonful fluid extract 
of Indian hemp or the same quantity of fluid extract blue 
flag. These drugs, from their sudorific, diophoretic, diui-- 
etic, and alterative properties, are regarded as very valu- 
able in dropsy. 

Anasarca, or moor-ill, is another variety of dropsy to 
which horse flesh is liable. It occurs chiefly among horses 
turned out in marshes in cold rainy weather, and may be 
characterized by the areolar texture of the whole body be- 
coming more or less filled with fluid ; a general swelling 
of the whole body, increasing by gravitation in the legs 
during the standing postiu-e. The disease, happily, is now 
a very rare one, but it occasionally appears under the cir- 
cumstances above described. 

The treatment must bo by acting on the various secre- 
tions, as described in the last section. 



CHAPTEE XII. 

The Diseases op the Urinary Organs and Organs of 
Generation — both Male and Female. 

Nepheitis, or Inflammation of the Kidneys. — Hydrophobia — Inflam- 
mation OF THE Bladder. — Calculi. — H.«maturia, or Bloody Urine.— 
Diabetes, or Profuse Stalling. — Albuminous Urine. — Balanitis. — 
Prolapsis of the Uterus. 

NEPHRITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

This disease is generally produced by over-driving, vio- 
lent muscular exertion in drawing heavy loads, the abuse 
of diux-etics, such as an overdose of saltpetre or sweet nitre, 
drugs which are considered by some horsemen as a charm 
against every ill. These drugs are given with impunity ; 
the kidneys when subject to their action becomes excited 
bordering upon inflammation. The excess of secretion 
proves the excited condition of these organs, and the ani- 
mal in such a state is not fit for work. He needs rest 
when under the operation of a diuretic just as much 
as w^heu subject to a powerful dose of physic. But the 
condition of the animal is not for a moment considered. 
So long as the poor slave is able to toil in the employ of 
his master the same amount of labor is demanded. But 
truly the life and health of the horse is not at the com- 
mand of man. And when man so yiolently transgresses 
the laws of nature in the keeping of the animal committed 
to his charge by the abuses above described, in combina- 
tion with the exposure of the horse to wet and cold, the 
feeding of poisoned food, such as mow burned hay, musty 
oats, etc., which is alone sufficient lo engender any dis- 
ease, it is not strange that Nature, whose laws are every- 
where consistent, should exact the penalty of suffering if 



96 THE DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS AND 

not of death. And surely, nephritis is a disease of too mild 
a type to be beget by so harsh a parent. 

The symptoms of nephritis are those of inflammatory 
fever generally ; breathing quick and short, a hard pulse, 
and decidedly quickened. The animal looks anxiously to- 
ward the seat of pain ; shrinks when the loins are pressed, 
and some degree of heat is felt there ; the urine scanty, 
frequently high colored, and sometimes bloody ; constipa- 
tion, more or less obstinate. The animal seldom lies down, 
but stands with back arched and hind legs straddled. He 
is unwilling to come round in his stall, and he walks with 
a straddling and numb gait. These symptoms clearly in- 
dicate an affection of the urinary organs. But they do not 
distinguish inflammation of the kidneys from that of the 
bladder ; but by attending to the state of the urine, which 
is very high colored in the former case, and nearly cif a 
natural color in the latter, the one may be distinguished 
from the other. To make matters still more clear, in ne- 
phritis, the horse shrinks when the loins are pressed, while 
in inflammation of the bladder resistance will be provoked 
by pressure on the abdomen between the hind legs. 

In the treatment, bleeding should be resorted to at 
once, in order to abate the inflammation. Fifteen drops of 
the tincture of aconite, and one drachm tincture belladonna 
mixed in a gill of water, may be given every half hour un- 
til the fever is abated. Next take a quantity of mustard, 
and mix in lukewarm vinegar ; rub this mixture in well 
over the loins, and place a fresh sheep-skin over it. 
Clothe the horse warmly, and give an alcohol sweat (as 
recommended for pleurisy), in order to bring the blood to 
the surface. A mild purge may be given in the form of a 
pint of linseed oil. Assist its action by injecting linseed 
tea every hour. The latter will also act as a fomentation 
to the diseased organ. Allow for food scalded linseed and 
bran mashes ; linseed or slippery elm tea for drink. If 



ORGANS OF GENERATION. 91 

the causes still exist, remove them at once. Give your 
poor sliive a more merciful and humane treatment. If pro- 
duced by giving harsh diuretic medicines, make up your 
mind never to be caught in the like folly again ; or if pro- 
duced by musty, moldy fodder, pause and consider whether 
you are not losing more in horseflesh than it would cost 
for food of the best quality. If disease follows the use 
of such treatment, you have produced it, and if the horse 
dies, you are the destroyer. 

HYLEOPHOBIA, OR RABIES. 

This is a disease, the cause of which is at present wholly 
beyond the reach of art, and we have but one reason for 
describing it, which is, that as the horse attacked by it is 
most dangerous, the sooner he is destroyed the better ; 
and for this reason every person who has charge of horses 
should be aware of the symptoms. As far as it is known 
at present, rabies in the horse is always the fruit of con- 
tagion, a bite received from some stable pet, in the shape 
of a dog or cat. 

The earliest symptoms of the disease, as described by 
Mr. Youatt, "consists in a spasmodic movement of the up- 
per lip, particularly of the angles of the lip. Close follow- 
ing on this or contemporaneous with it, are the depressed 
and anxious countenance and inquiring gaze ; suddenly, 
however, lighted up, and becoming fierce and menacing 
from some unknown cause, or at the approach of a stranger. 
From time to time different parts of the frame, the eyes, 
the jaws, particular limbs, will be convulsed. The eyes 
will occasionally wander after some imaginary object, and 
the horse will snap again and again at that which has no 
real existence. Then will come the irrepressible desire to 
bite the attendants or the animals within its reach. To 
this will succeed the demolition of the rack, the manger, 
5 



*.)8 THE DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS AND 

aui tliG whole furniture of the stable, accompanied by the 
peculiar dread of water." However, Mayhew describes the 
longing for fluids to be " sometimes morbidly increased, and 
that the animal's likings may be morbidly changed. It 
will occasionally devour its own excrement, and lick up 
its emissions." But most frequently water will cause 
spasms. 

According to the authority of Youatt, "towards the close 
of the disease there is generally paralysis, usually confined 
to the loins and the hinder extremities, or involving those or- 
gans which derive their nervous influence from this portion 
of the spinal cord ; hence the distressing tenseness which is 
occasionally seen." These symptoms prove in a great 
measure the discovery of M. M. Rudnow, of Russia, to be 
correct. To his investigations the public owe all their 
knowledge of the main cause of rabies. According to 
the above authority, "the main cause of rabies is the an- 
atomical alteration of the kidneys through their parenchy- 
matous inflammation. This diflers from other forms of in- 
flammation in that the whole epithelium of the kidneys 
is diseased at the same time, and that it easily degener- 
ates, while the lobes of the kidneys fill at the same time 
with a fatty substance, by which the uniformly fatal issue 
of hydrophobia is brought about." 

Supposing the cause of the disease to be thus ascertained, 
let us hope that as little time as possible will be lost in 
discovering a cure for it. Until then a well placed bul- 
let is the only remedy we know which cau stay this fear- 
ful malady. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

This disease is generally produced by the diseased 
kidneys secreting a highly irritating urine. The 
bladder suffers in its passage, and thus the two 
organs are inflamed at the same time ; or it may be 



ORGANS OP GENERATION. 99 

produced by the injudicious use of cantharides, given 
with a view to stimulate exhausted nature, or it may 
he absorbed from the surface of the skin, as sometimes 
liappens in blistering. The symptoms are constant strain- 
ing to pass the urine, which is thick, and mixed with mu- 
cus ; quick pulse, and the animal looking around to the 
seat of disease. Give the same treatment as recommended 
for nephritis ; and here the injecting of warm linseed tiea 
is peculiarly advisable. Retention of urine may be caused 
either by inflammation of the neck of the bladder, or by 
spasms unattended by inflammation. It is characterized 
by constant straining to pass the urine, and the squeezing 
out of a few drops as the bladder becomes filled. In the 
treatment, bleed, if attended with inflammation, and if not, 
the disease usually yields to a dose of chloroform and 
tincture of opium ; give one ounce of each, mixed in a half 
pint of water. 

CALCULI. 

Calculous concretions are not uncommon in the large in- 
testines of horses, where they grow sometimes to an enor- 
mous size. In the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons, 
London, there is one taken from the intestines of a horse, 
which weighs no less than 17 pounds. In the intestines 
they occasion but little inconvenience, except a displace- 
ment occurs, when serious evils, as colic, inflammation or 
stricture follow. Calculi in the bladder is of considerable 
annoyance. They may proceed from the kidneys, but most 
commonly they are formed in tlie bladder itself Some- 
times, when of a small size, they are expelled. Most com- 
monly they remain in the bladder. 

The chief symptoms that induce a suspicion of their ex- 
istence are a frequent desire to pass the urine ; the urine 
passed by jerks, and a sudden stoppage to its flow. The 
treatment may be either palliative or curative. The for- 
mer consists in the adoption of the means employed for 



100 THE DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS AND 

subduing retention of urine. The latter can only be ef- 
fected by removing the sione, which is a difficult and dan- 
gerous operation. 

HJEMATUREA, OR BLOODY URINE. 

This disease consists in a hemorrhiige from the mucous 
membrane of the urinary passages. Like other hemor- 
rha<;es, it may be active or passive. It may proceed from 
the kidneys. Sometimes a parasitic worm has been dis- 
covered after death, in the kidneys, and was apparently 
the cause of the mischief. At others the kidneys iiave been 
found disorganized by cancer or melanosis ; or it may be 
produced by the irritation of a sharp calculi in the bladder 
or urethra. Whencesoever it proceeds, hsematuria is 
usually ascribed to rupture of vessels not being thought 
common in the mucous membranes. The essential symp- 
toms are, the existence of bloody urine, evacuated of a 
dark brown color, preceded by slight pain in the region of 
the bladder or kidneys, unaccompanied by inflammation, 
marking the absence of nephritis. 

In the treatment, active hajmaturia may require blood- 
letting. Take of extract of rhatany three drachms, water 
one half pint ; mix, and give three times a day ; and, if 
very excessive, cold injections may be thrown into the 
rectum or into the vagina of the mare. For the chronic 
kind give absolute rest ; the same drench as recommended 
above, and tonics in general. 

DIABETES, OR PROFUSE STALLING. 

This disease is characterized by an excessive flow, and 
often manifest alteration in the secretion of urine. We 
are unable to fix on the seat of this distressing malady, 
however, as a part of the urine must be formed at the ex- 
pense of the system, the whole system of nutrition must 
be morbidly implicated. The causes are also very ob- 



ORGANS OF GENERATION. 101 

scure. The injudicious use of diuretics, musty and moldy 
fodder will often provoke it. In the treatment, ascertain 
the cause, if possible, and remove it. Make a total change 
in the food, to green food, if possible. Green food, such as 
grass, potatoes, carrots, etc., with astringents and tonics 
in general, will usually effect a cure, but if the urine con- 
tains large amounts of sugar, the urine of a sweetish 
taste, all the remedies that have been tried have usually 
been found insuflScient. However, in either case, the fol- 
lowing drench may be tried with expectations of beneficial 
results : take fluid extract bugleweed four ounces, fluid 
extract bethroot four ounces ; mix, and give one table- 
spoonful in a cupful of warm water three times a day. 

ALBUMINOUS URINE. 

This disease was first described by Dr. Bright, of Lon- 
don, and is usually termed Bright's disease. The disease 
consists in a granular disease of the cortical part of the 
kidneys, or congestion of the same, characterized by a 
straddling gait, weakness of the loins, stretching and 
straining to pass the urine, which contains albumen, and 
of a white, milky, or thick appearance. 

In the treatment, bleed moderately. Give, as a purge, 
a pint of linseed oil ; apply mustard blisters to the loins ; 
and, for diet, allow green food, bran mashes, scalded lin- 
seed, etc., and linseed or slippery elm tea for drink. Should 
it persist in spite of the adoption of the measures already 
recommended, the following drench may be tried : take 
fluid extract of trailing arbutus one-half ounce, water four 
ounces ; mix, and give three times a day. 

DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 

.Balanitis, or inflammation of the penis, is a disease 
which speaks worlds of low-voiced commentaries on the 
stupidity of the horse's keeper. The causes are the de- 



102 CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES, 

composition of tlie natural secretions when they have been 
allowed to collect for any length of time. 

The symptoms are a straddling gait ; swelling of the 
sheath ; foul sores, with fungous growths springing from 
them upon the penis. 

In the treatment, wash the parts clean with soap and 
water daily, and apply the following : glycerine one ounce, 
carbolic acid, two drachms. Mix. 

PROLAPSUS OF THE UTERUS. 

This disease sometimes follows parturition, but it is of 
very rare occurrence. The principal cause of prolapsus is 
the enormous distention of the vagina by parturition. The 
vaginal column is thus not only weakened, but the perin- 
seum is often much weakened by over distention if not 
by laceration. Having thus lost its tone, the perinseum 
no longer sufficiently antagonizes the diaphragm, and 
the womb is steadily pushed down the vagina. 

In the treatment, the uterus should be at once replaced 
by the hand, using as little force as possible, and be- 
fore the hand is withdrawn be sure that the uterus is 
really turned back again from its inverted position, and 
inject one pint cold water, containing two drachms gly- 
cerine, two drachms tincture of opium, and one drachm 
tannin. 



CHAPTEE XIII. 

Constitutional Diseases, Diseases of the Mouth, and 
Marks of Age. 

Fevers. — Glanders.— Farcy.— Lampass.— Marks of Age. 

FEVERS. 

Fever, as a disease of itself, without any inflammatory 
complication, is happily one of rare occurrence, but one of 



DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, AND MAHKS OF AGE. 103 

the most dangerous affections to which the horse is liable. 
The horse has fever more or less when he is affected 
with catarrh, as wo have already described under that 
head, botli in the common and epidemic catarrh ; — in- 
deed, all the important inflammations of the horse are 
attended with more or less fever. Therefore, fever is 
not characterized by any one, but depends upon the co- 
existence of many symptoms. However, the general char- 
acter of fever is clearly sliown by examination of tlie 
blood. Tlie alteration of the blood in fevers consists gen- 
erally in a diminution of the fibrinous element, the blood 
becomes thinner, which is the reverse of what occurs in 
inflammation. Fevers have been usually divided into 
the simple and typhoid fever. 

Simple fever is characterized by a starring coat ; ap- 
petite lost ; cold legs and feet, with increased warmth 
of body ; the pulse quick and variable ; breathing quick- 
ened ; bowels costive, and urine scanty. These symp- 
toms may continue for two or three days, and then be 
complicated by inflammation in some organ of the body, 
or put on tlie typhoid type. In the treatment, allow 
plenty of pure air and cold water, and give fifteen drops 
tincture of aconite three times a day. 

Typhoid fever, as we have already shown, sometimes 
appears as an epidemic, occurring as a sequel to catarrh, 
but among horses in different parts of this country, tj- 
phoid fever is of yearly occurrence in its pure form, 
without any inflammatory complication. The greatest di- 
versity of opinion has prevailed regarding its theory : hence, 
the multiplicity of names given to the disease, which can 
do no possible harm : they only serve to point out to us 
the chief symptoms which may be grouped together as a 
whole, under the head of typhoid fever. In the West and 
Northern States, its primary seat has been placed in the 
mouth, and there it is called black tongue, because that 



104 CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES, 

organ changes in color, varying from a deep purple to 
black. In other parts of the country, its primary seat 
has been placed in the throat, and termed chocking dis- 
temper. Others have called it putrid fever, from the of- 
fensive smell emanated from the animal. In New York it 
is termed cerebro-spinul-meningitis, because it is thought 
by Prof. Liantard to present similar symptoms to those 
when man is the subject. It would seem, however, that 
although in typhoid fever the whole of the functions are 
morbidly impressed, the argument in favor of the impres- 
sion being most on the nervous system and the system of 
nutrition is the strongest. 

The causes of typhoid fever in the horse are specific, 
similar to those that give rise to the same disease in his 
master — man — namely, miasma, arising from excrementaiy 
decomposition in and around the stable or from decaying 
vegetable matter and stagnant water. 

It is not contagious, but is brought on almost always 
epidemic in a sporadic form, attacking every horse in the 
stable and even neighborhood, by the same causes being 
applied to nearly all subjects alike. 

The symptoms in its early stage can scarcely be distin- 
guished from simple fever, but as the disease advances, a 
difficulty in swallowing will be observed, with the strength 
much reduced ; the breath is very offensive, and the mouth 
is full of a black discharge from the tongue and gums ; 
the pulse is vei-y low ; strength entirely gone ; the horse 
is unable to walk, and soon he lies or falls down, unable 
to rise. 

In the treatment, the indications are to remove all the 
horses from the cause to a more dry and airy location, 
and a cure is more likely to be effected ; ventilation and 
cleanliness, keeping the bowels free by injection, with the 
avoiding of all irritation of every kind, are the main indi- 
cations. However, the practitioner has to discriminate 



DISEASES OF THE MuUTH, AND MARKS OF AGE. 105 

carefully between oppression and prostration. The former 
may require evacuants, the latter cannot. 

In the wliole management of this affection the strength 
must be supported by tonics. Tlie following will be found 
very applicable in all cases : take tinctui'e of gelseminuni 
fifty drops, sulphate of quinia ten grains, water one tea- 
cupful. Mix, and give at one dose, and repeat every two 
hours until its specific action is discovered by distressed 
prostration and clouded vision. Then the following stimu- 
lant may be given : carbonate of ammonia one-half ounce, 
capsicum one drachm, water one half pint. Mix, and give 
at one dose, and repeat every half hour until the horse 
appears refreshed. If the horse is unable to stand, give 
him a good bed, and turn him from one side to the other, 
to prevent sores on the body. 

GLANDERS-PAECY. 

This fearful disease of the horse tribe arises spontane- 
ously, without doubt, by human depravity. Would man 
remove the following causes, glanders would in one year 
undoubtedly be banished from the list of diseases to 
which the horse is liable. 

, The causes of glanders are the usual influences that 
generate putrid poisons, namely : insufficient and unwhole- 
some food, close confinement and ill ventilation. This 
poison when introduced, acts as a ferment, the matter is 
resolved into new compounds, and disease quickly follows. 
It is undoubtedly highly contagious both to man and other 
animals, and no man who regards his own welfare and 
that of his neighbors should keep a glandered horse. 

Symptoms. — It may occur in two forms which, however, 
are merely manifestations of the same disease in different 
tissues. When seated in the nasal cavities, it is called 
glanders ; when in the lymphatic system, farcy. But 
these two forms are essentially identical : the pus of either 



106 CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES, 

of them will produce the other ; and farcy always termi- 
nates in g-landers if the animal live long enough, and its 
progress is not arrested. The symptoms of gLmders are 
a continual flow of discharge from one or both nostrils 
(generally the left), which discharge is at first thin, acrid, 
transparent, and without odor ; then thick and glairy like 
the white of an egg ; but after a time becomes purulent, 
bloody and horribly offensive, retaining, however, its vis- 
cidity. Soon after, the enlarged submaxillary gland may 
be felt under the lower jaw adhering to the bone. Next, 
if the nose be examined, its lining membrane will be seen 
to present one or more ulcers, having ragged and sharp 
edges, with depressed centres ; these spread wide and 
deep, and lead to caries of the bone. Then the lips and 
eyelids swell, and the conjunctiva suppurate ; and the ex- 
ternal parts of the face may become gangrenous, and the 
animal die in a few days with putrid fever ; or he may 
perish more slowly. The disease may spread to the lungs, 
(then called equinia glay^didera, or glanders with tubercles 
of the lungs), and death may be induced by cough, emaci- 
ation, and the formation of unhealthy abscesses in the 
lungs and other parts of tlie body. 

Syniptovis of Farcy. — This disease begins with hard, 
cord-like swellings of the lymphatic glands, appearing in 
the shape of small tumors in the skin, called farcy-buds. 
These buds are usually met with in the thin skin covering 
the inside of the thighs, lips, face and neck ; sometimes 
very painful, suppurating and degenerating into foul ul- 
cers, which discharage a copious thin, sanious matter. In 
process of time the general system suffers as in glanders, 
and if suffered to proceed unchecked, farcy leads to glan- 
ders, although more frequently the latter arises first. 

In the treatment, the disease most generally resists all 
remedies, and as the risk of contagion is too great to be 
incurred, the horse ought at once to be destroyed. How- 



DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, AND MARKS OF AGE. 10 "7 

ever, many cases of glanders, by giving antizymotics, have 
been cured, and few cases of farcy die from them. In the 
management of the disease, allow the horse a good gener. 
ous diet, a clean and well ventilated stable, and give the 
following once daily : carbolic acid fifteen drops, sulphate 
of iron, in powder, two drachms, Peruvian bark four 
drachms ; mix, and form into a ball with molasses and 
linseed meal. 

In the second and third stage of glanders, no remedy 
can be relied on, and the patient ougbt to be destroyed. 

LAMPASS. 

Lampass consists in an active inflammation of the 
ridges, or burs, in the roof of the mouth. The mucous 
membrane of the roof of the mouth swells so much that it 
projects below the level of the nippers, and is so ten- 
der that all hard and dry food irritates ; therefore, it is 
mostly refused. Young horses are the ones most liable to 
lampass while shedding the teeth or putting up the tushes. 
The treatment consists in the scarification of the part 
with a sharp knife, and give a mild dose of physic. This 
is far better than the barbarous treatment of burning the 
swelling down with a red hot iron. 

MARKS OF AGE. 

The appearance and shape of the teeth constitute what 
is most generally relied upon as a means of determining 
the age of a hoi'se ; and they really form a quite accurate 
mark of age xmtil the animal is past his prime. 

The teeth of the horse are the hardest and most compact 
bones of the body. There are usually forty of them in the 
horse, and thirty-six in the mare. In the latter the tushes 
are usually wanting. They are divided into twelve nip- 
pers, four tushes and twenty-four grinders, which number 
are equally divided between the two jaws. There are two 



108 CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES, ETC. 

sets of teeth, a temporary, or milk set, and a permanent 
set, — a provision which kind Nature has furnished for both 
man, and the most of the brute creation. The shedding 
of the milk teeth and tlie replacement of them by the per- 
manent teeth, and the changes which occur in the perma- 
nent teeth by the natural wear, is now the general crite- 
rion of age. 

At ten or twelve days old the mouth of the foal will 
show four front teeth, or nippers, two in each jaw ; about 
the close of the first month the next four appear, one upon 
each side of theothers in both jaws. Between the seventh 
and eighth month the corner teeth, or last pair of tempo- 
rary nippers appears in each jaw, and at one year old, tlie 
four central nippers in each jaw are worn nearly level, and 
the corner teeth, which are now of the same length, are 
rapidly becoming so. During the second year the dark 
brown groove is worn out of all the front teeth. The third 
year the central nippers are shed, and their place occu- 
pied by the permanent pair nearly full grown. In the 
fourth year the same changes occur in the second and 
third pair of nippers, and a^ the age of five, the mouth is 
complete, the tushes are in plain sight. During the sixth 
year the tushes attain their full growth, and the grooves 
fill up in the central nippers. At seven the groove in the 
second pair of nippers is no longer visible. At eight, the 
whole of the grooves are filled up. At nine years old, a 
hook has been formed on the corner teeth ; the point of the 
tusk is worn off, and the gum is shrinking away from the 
front teeth. In consequence, they are becoming of a long 
and narrow shape. After this there is no criterion to go 
by. True, many judges undertake to tell a horse's age 
from nine to twenty years old, (by the lipe, hair, chin, the 
dim eye and wrinkled eyelid), which, in my opinion, is 
impossible ; they merely make a guess, and four times out 
of five they labor under a mistake. 



^i^PEisrr>ix. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Veterinary Pharmacopceia, 



Alteratives. — Anaesthetics. — Anodynes.— Antiseptics. — Antizymotics. 

— Anthelmintics. — Afekients Astringents.— Blisters.— Caustics. — 

Cltsters.— Demulcents.— Diaphoretics.— Diuretics. — Embrocations. 
—Expectorants. — Febrifuges. — Lotions. — Stimulants.— Stomachics.— 
Styptics. — Tonics. 

ALTERATIVES. 



Peruvian Bark 2 oz«. 

Gentiaa ... 2 " 

Colombo 2 " 

Resin 2 " 

Licorice 2 " 

Stramonium Seeds J oz. 

Linseed meal 4 ozs. 

Mix. Dose, one tablespoonful at 
night. 

For General Use. 

Flower of Sulphur 1 lb. 

Resin 1 " 

Glauber Salts 1 " 

Linseed meal 1 " 

Mix. Dose, one tablespoonful at 
night. 



Fenugreeli 2 ozs. 

Black Antimony 2 " 

Licorice 2 " 

Gentian 2 " 

Aniseseed 2 " 

Resin 2 •' 

TartarEraetic 2 dre. 

Mix. Dose, one tablegpoonful 
twice a day. 

In Debility of Stomach. 

Aloes 1 oz. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth. . . J oz. 
Cascarilla Bark, powdered 2 ozs. 
Gentian Root, " ' 2 " 

Ginger, '' 2 " 

Colombo, " 2 " 

Dose, one tablespoonful every 
other night. 

ANESTHETICS. 
This term is now almost restricted to agents wliicli pro- 
duce such effects by being received into the lungs in the 
form of vapors, and passing with the blood to the nervous 
centres on which their action is exerted. A sort of intoxi- 
cation supervening with imperfect power of regulating the 
movements ; sensation and motion are suspended, and ulti- 



110 



VETERINARY PHARMACOPffilA. 



mately if the quantity inhaled be sufficient the respiration 
ceases, and death is the consequence. They have been, 
and are greatly used in surgical operations ; and in such 
cases, as well as in many diseases, especially of a painful 
nature, produce the most beneficial results. Chloroform 
is the drug generally used in veterinary surgery. 

ANODYNES. 
Anodyne Drenches for Colic. 



No. 1. 

Gum Myrrh, powdered ^ oz. 

Cayenne Pepper 2 J drs. 

Caustic Potash J oz. 

Gum Camphor 6 drs. 

Rye Whiskey 1 pt. 

Mix. Dose, one ounce in a pint 
of hot water every half hour. 

No. 3. 

Chloroform 1 oz. 

Tincture of Opium 1 oz. 

Water i pint. 



No. 2. 

Chloroform 1 J ozs. 

Tincture of Opium IJ '■ 

Tincture of Camphor IJ " 

Spirit Ammonia Aromatic. 1 J " 

Oil Cinnamon 20 drops 

Brandy 2 ozs. 

Mix. Dose, one ounce every 
hour in a pint of water. 
No. 4. 

Dioscorein 20 grs. 

Asclepidin 20 grs. 

Ginger ^ oz. 

Whiskey J pint. 

Mix, and give at one dose. 



Mix, and give at one dose. 

Anodyne Drencd for Diarrhea. 

Gum Arabic 2 oz. 

Boiling Water 1 pint. 

Dissolve, and then add : 

Fluid Extract Blackberry Root J oz. 

Tincture Opium J oz. 

Mix, and give night and morning. 



ANTISEPTICS. 



1. Carbolic Acid 1 dr. 

Water 2 ozs. 

3. Nitrate of Lead 1 dr. 

Water Ipiut. 

5. Permanganate of Potash 1 dr. 
Water 1 pint. 



Bro-Chloralum(Tllden'i 
Water 



I oz. 

8 0Z3. 

I dr. 



4. Chroride of Zinc. 

Water 1 plat. 

[G. Liquor Chlorinated Soda. 1 oz. 
I Water 1 pint. 



VETERINARY PHARIIACOPCEIA. 



HI 



ANTIZrMOTICS. 



Sulphite of Magnegia, 1 ounce three 

times a day. 
Sulphite of Soda, 1 ounce three 

times a day. 

Carbolic Acid 15 drops. 

Glycerine 1 oz. 

Tincture of Opium 1 dr. 

Water 4 ozs. 

Mix, and give twice a day. 



Carbolic Acid 15 drop?. 

Sulphate of Iron, in pow.. 2 drs. 

Peruvian Bark 4 drs. 

Mix, and give once daily. 

Sulphate of Zinc 15 grs. 

Spanish Fly 7 grs. 

Powdered Allspice 15 grs. 

Mix, give once a day. 

(Recommended by Prof. Clark.) 



ANTHELMINTICS. 



Indian Pink Root, pow. . . 2 drs. 
Barbadoes Aloes, " ... 3 drs. 

Powdered Savin 1 dr. 

Santonin 5 grs. 

Miz. Molasses to make a ball, 
give at night, and follow by a 
purge next morning. 



Santonin 20 grs. 

Powdered Ginger 10 grs. 

Barbadoes Aloes 4 drs. 

Sulphur 1 oz. 

Mi.x. Molasses enough to make 
a ball, give once a day for three 
days. 



APERIENTS. 
OnoiNART Physic Balls. 



1. Barbadoes Aloes 6 drs. 

Castile Soap 4 drs. 

Ginger 1 dr. 

Mix. Dissolve in a small quantity 
of boiling water, and then slowly 
evaporate to a proper consistence, 
by which means griping is avoided. 

Laxative Drenches 



2. Barbadoes Aloes 6 drs. 

Bitartrate of Potash J dr. 

Ginger J dr. 

Powdered Cloves J dr. 

Dissove and evaporate, and then 
add Oil of Caraway, 12 drops. 



Barbadoes Aloes 4 drs. 

Powdered Cloves 2 drs. 

Bitartrate of Potash 1 dr. 

Oil of Caraway 15 drops 

Boiling Water i pint. 

ASTRINGENTS. 
For Bloody Ukine 



Castor Oil 4 ozs. 

Epsom Salts 4 ozs. 

Warm Water 1 pint. 



1. Gallic Acid 40 grs. 

Syrup 2 dr. 

Water i pint. 

Mix, and give twice a day. 



2. Extract of Rhatany 3 drs. 

Water ^ pint. 

Give three times a day. 



12 



VETERINARY PHARMACOPCEIA. 



Astringent Lotions. 



1. Alum 1 dr. 

Water J pint. 

3. Oak Bark 2 ozs. 

Boiling Water 1 pint, 

5. Catechu l*dr. 



2. Tannin 1 dr. 

Water 4 ozs. 

4. Sulphate of Copper 2 drs. 

Water 1 pint. 

6. Liquor Persulphate of Iron. 



Boiling Water J pint. | 7. Elixir of Vitriol and Tannin. 



BLISTERS. 



Mild Blister Ointment. 

Lard 4 ozs 

Oil of Turpentine 1 oz. 

Powdered Spanish Flies. . . J oz. 
Mix. 



Strong Blister. 

Lard 

Oil Origanum 

Powdered Euphorbium 

Powdered Spanish Flies. . 



4 ozs, 
h oz. 
h oz. 
J oz. 



Liquid Blisters. 



Spanish Flies 1 oz. 

Oil of Origanum 1 oz. 

Oil of Turpentine 2 ozs. 

Aqua Ammonia 2 ozs. 

Olive Oil 2 ozs. 

Mix. 



By Dr. Stewart. 

Turpentine ^ pint. 

Fine Pow'cd Corrosive Sub. 1 oz. 

Gum Camphor 1 oz. 

Mix. 



Sweating Blisters kor Spavins, Ring-bones, etc. 



Biniodide of Mercury 1 dr. 

Lard 1 oz. 

Mix. 



Iodide of Lead 1 dr. 

Lard 1 oz. 



CAUSTICS. 

Nitrate of Silver. Verdigris, used in powder or oint- 

Sulphate of Copper. ment. 

Butter of Antimony. Red Precipitate, used in powder or 

Nitric Acid. ointment. 

Chloride of Zinc. Burnt Alum, used dry. 

Powdered White Sugar. 



1. Slippery Elm Mucilage. 1 pint 

Tincture of Opium 1 oz. 

Mix. 



CLYSTERS. 
Astringent Clysters in Diarrhea. 

2. Fluid Extract Blackberry 

Root 1 oz. 

Water 1 pint. 



Epsom 
Water.. 



Salts, 



VETERINARY PHARMACOPffilA. 

PuKGATivE Clysters. 



113 



2 oz?. 
1 pint. 



Extract Colocyuth 2 drs. 

Boiling Water 1 pint. 



Clysters fok Dkstkoying Worms. 



Aloes 1 dr. 

Castile Soap 1 dr. 

Water , 1 pint. 



Aloes J dr. 

Custile Soap | dr. 

Assufoetida J dr. 

Water 1 pint. 



Clysters for " Prolapsus Ani. 



Ti net. Prickly Ash Berries. 4 ozs. 

Tincture Nu.\ Vomica 3 drs. 

Mix. Inject one tablespoonful 
into tlie rectum three times a day. 



White Oak Bark 2 ozs. 

Water 1 qt. 

Boil for twenty minutes, and 
strain. Inject 4 ounces three times 
a day. 



DEMULCENTS. 



Linseed 4 ozs. 

Water 1 qt. 

Simmer till a thick decoction is 
obtained, and give night and morn- 
ing. 



Slippery Elm Bark 2 ozs. 

Water 1 qt. 

Simmer 1 hour, and give night 
and morning. 



DIAPHORETICS. 



Liquor Acetate of Ammonia 3 ozs 

Tincture of Opium 1 oz. 

Mix. Give at night. 



Liquor Acetate of Ammonia 3 oz.q. 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 oz. 

Mi.x. Give at night. 



DIURETICS. 



Powdered Resin 3 drs. 

Saltpetre 2 drs. 

Castile Soap 3 drs. 

Oil of Juniper 1 dr. 



Saltpetre J oz. 

Cream of Tartar 2 drs. 

Juniper Berries 1 dr. 

Castile Soap 3 drs. 



114 



VETERINARY PHARMACOPEIA. 



Nitre., 
Rusio. 



Diuretic Powders for Mashes 
J oz. 1 Resin 



1 oz. 

Sulphur 2 ozs. 



Stimuiating Embrocatiox. 

Camphor Gum I oz. 

Oil of Turpentine 2 ozs, 

Oil of Origanum J oz. 

Alcohol 3 ozs, 

Mi.x. 



EMBROCATIONS.— (Liniments.) 

Sweating Embrocation. 
Strong Mercurial Ointment. 2 ozg 

Camphor Gum J oz. 

Oil of Amber 2 dr. 

Oil of Turpentine 1 oi;. 

Mix. 



For Blows and Bruises. 

Tincture Arnica 1 oz. 

Tincture Aconite 1 oz. 

Muriate of Ammonia 3 dr.s. 

Water 2 ozs. 

Mix. 



Anodyne Linlmext. 

Aqua Ammonia 2 oz.?. 

Chloroform 1 oz. 

Camphor 2 oz3. 

Tincture Opium ^ oz. 

Alcohol 4 ozs. 

Mix. 



Liniments for General Use. 



Alcohol 1 pt. 

Fluid Extract Arnica 2 ozs. 

Camphor Gum 1 oz. 

Aqua Ammonia J oz. 

Tincture Opium J oz. 

Oilof Amber J oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Mix. 



Oil of Rosemary 2 ozs. 

Aqua Ammonia 2 " 

Oilof Turpentine 2 " 

Olive Oil 1§ " 

Oilof Amber I^ " 

Oil of Origanum 1 oz. 

Mix. 



EXPECTORANTS. 
For Ordinary Cough Without Ixflammatiom. 



Gum Ammoniacura ^ oz. 

Powdered Seneka I dr. 

Powdered Squills 20 grs. 

Powdered Licorice..- 1 dr. 

Honey enough to form a ball. 
Give at night. 



Powdered Licorice J oz. 

Gum Ammoiiiacum. 2 drs. 

Balsam of Tolu 2 drs. 

Powdered Seneka ^ dr. 

Powdered Ipecac 10 grs. 

Mix. Linseed meal and honey 
enough to form a ball ; give at night. 



VETERINARY PHARMACOPffilA. 



115 



For Chronic Cough. 



Spirits of Turpentine 2 ozs. 

Mucilage of Slippery Elm. 6 oz?. 

Gum Ammoniacum ^ oz. 

Balsam of Tolu 1 dr. 

Powdered Licorice 1 dr. 

Tincture of Opium 3 ozs. 

Water 2 qls. 

Mix. Dose, J pint as a drench, 
every nigbt. 



Powpered Gum Myrrh 1 oz. 

Oil of Tar 1 " 

Tincture of Ipecac 1 " 

Tincture of Squills 1 " 

Honey 2 ozs. 

Alcohol 1 pt. 

Mix. Dose, one tablespoonful 
every night. Beneficial in heaves. 



FEBRIFUGES. 



Cream of Tartar ^ oz. 

Camphor 1 dr. 

Calomel 20 grs. 

Mix. Linseed meal and water to 
form a ball 



Cream of Tartar 4 drs 

Saltpetre 2 drs. 

Mix. Give in a bran mash. 



CooLi.NQ Drench. 



Saltpetre- 1 oz. 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 2 ozs. 

Tincture Aconite ....15 dps. 

Water 1 pt. 

Mix. 



Saltpetre 2 drs. 

Soda Carbonate 1 dr. 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 3 drs. 

Water 1 pt. 

Mix. Give twice a day, if neces- 
sary. 



LOTIONS. 
Cooi.i.vG Lotions kor External Inflammation. 



Sugar of Lead J oz. 

Borax J oz. 

Vinegar 2 ozs. 

Alcohol 2 ozs. 

Water 1 qt. 

Mix. 



Sal Ammonia 1 oz. 

Vinegar 4 ozs. 

Tincture Camphor 1 oz. 

Tincture Arnica J oz. 

Water I pt. 



Lotions fob the Eyes. 



Sulphate of Zinc 20 grs. 

Water 6 ozs. 

Mix. 



Borax 1 dr. 

Water J pt. 



116 



VETERINARY PHARMACOPCEIA. 



Tannate of Zinc 30 gra. 

Water 6 ozs. 

Mucilage ^ oz. 

Mix. 



Sulphate of Zinc 12 grs. 

Tincture of Opium 2 drs. 

Water ^ pt. 



STIMULANTS. 



Whiskey 1 pt. 

Cayenne Pepper 1 dr. 

Tincture of Ginger 4 dis. 

Mix. 



Whisky 1 pt. 

Carbonate of Ammonia. .. 1 dr. 
Tinct. of Virginia Snake- 
root 4 drs. 



STOMACHICS. 



Powdered Colombo 1 oz. 

Powdered Ginger 2 drs. 

Bicarbonate of Soda 1 dr. 

Mix. Give once a day. 

Powdered Cascarilla 1 oz. 

Powdered Gentian ^ oz. 

Cayenne Pepper 1 dr. 

Mix. Give once a day. 



Golden Seal 1 oz. 

Powdered Cascarilla J oz. 

Canella Alba 2 drs. 

Mix. Give once a day. 

Peruvian Bark 1 oz. 

Cascarilla, (Powdered) .. . J oz. 

Virginia Snake Root 2 drs. 

Mix. Give once a day. 



STYPTICS. 
For Bleeding from tue Nostrils. 



Matico Leaves, J oz. 

Boiling Water 1 pt. 

Infuse, and when cold, strain and 
inject into the nostrils. 



Alum 1 oz. 

Sulphate of zinc 1 oz. 

Boiling Water 1 qt. 

When cold, strain and inject. 



TONICS. 



Muriated Tinct. of Iron ... 4 ozs. 
Tincture of Colombo.... 4 ozs. 
Dose, one tablespoonful twice a 
day, in a pint of cold water. 



Comp'nd Tinct. of Quassia 6 ozs. 
Muriated Tincture of Iron. 3 " 

Tincture of Colombo 2 " 

Dose, one tablespoonful twice a 
day, in a pint of cold water. 



CHAPTEE XV. 

Miscellaneous Prescriptions for Vari ws Diseases Belong- 
ing TO THE Veterinary Art. 



PuRaiNG Dkixks eor Cattle. 



Epsom Salts , 1 p'nd. 

Ginger J oz. 

Warm water 1 qt. 



Epsom Salts J p'nd. 

Crotoii Oil 10 d'ps. 

Warm Water 1 qt. 



CocoH and Fkver Drinks for Cattle. 



Tartar Emetic 1 dr. 

Tiucture of Aconite 10 d'ps. 

Saltpetre 3 drs. 

Give iu a quart of thick gruel. 



1. Powdered Gentian Root. J oz. 

Powdered Colombo 1 dr. 

Powdered Ginger 1 dr. 

Epsom Salts 2 oz. 

Mix. Give in a pint of warm 
gruel morning and night. 

Anodyne Drink for Cattle. 

Tincture of Opium J oz. 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre. ... 2 ozs. 
Water 1 pt. 



Diuretic Drink for Cattle. 

Saltpetre 1 oz. 

Powdered Resin ... 2 ozs. 

Ginger 2 drs. 

Warm Water 1 pt. 



Powdered Licorice Root... 2 ozs. 
Boiling Water 1 pt. 

When cold add : 

Powdered Squills 2 drs. 

Powdered Gum Guiacum.. 1 dr. 
Tincture Balsam of Tolu.. J oz. 
Honey 1 oz. 

Mix. Give twice a day. (For 
cough.) 

Tonic Drinks fob Cattle. 

2. Powdered Gentian 2 drs. 

Tiucture of Iron 1 dr. 

Ginger I dr. 

Mix. Give in a pint of water. 



Astringent Drinks for Cattle. 

Prepared Chalk 2 ozs. 

Fluid Extract of Rhatany. I oz. 

Powdered Catechu ^ oz. 

Tincture of Opium ^ oz. 

Ginger 2 drs. 

Mix. Give in a quart of warm 
gruel. 

Drink for Worms'in Cattle. 
Oil of Turpentine 2 ozs. 



Sweet Spirits of Nitre. , 
Linseed Oil , 



1 oz. 



118 



MISCELLANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS. 



Ointment for Sore Teats. 
Spermaceti Ointment.... 6 ozs. 
Sugar of Lead, Powdered. 1 oz. 

Alum, Powdered 1 oz. 

Mix. 

Pdrginq Drink for Calves. 

EpsomSalts lto2 ozs. 

Ginger 20 grs. 

Powdered Cloves 10 " 

Mix. Give in a half pint of warm 
gruel. 

Purging Drink for Sheep. 

EpsomSalts 2 ozs. 

Ginger 1 'Ir- 

Powdered Caraways 1 dr. 

Mix. Warm thin gruel half a 
pint. 

Astringent Dkink for Sheep. 

Prepared Chalk 2 drs. 

Ginger Mr- 
Catechu, Powdered ^r. 

Tincture of Opium 20 d'pp. 

Give in half a pint of slippery 
elm tea, twice a day. 

Alterative Tonic Powders for 
Cattle. 

Flour of Sulphur 4 ozs. 

Bhick Sulphuret of Anti- 
mony 1 oz. 

Pa'siu, Powdered 1 oz. 

Nitre, Powdered 2 ozs. 

Powdered Gentian 2 ozs. 

Powdered Ginger 1 oz. 

Mix. Divide into six powders, 

and give one daily. 



Ointment for Garget in Cows. 
Solid Extract of Poke Root 2 ozs. 
Lard J p'nd. 



Astringent Drink for Calves. 

Prepared Chalk 2 drs. 

Tincture of Opium 1 dr. 

Powdered Catechu J dr. 

Ginger J dr. 

Powdered Caraway Seeds. 20 grs. 

Mix. Give in halfa pint of gruel. 

Astringent Dkink lor Lambs. 
Comp. Powder of Chalk... J drs. 

Tincture of Opium 5 d'ps. 

Powdered Gentian 20 grs. 

Powdered Caraway Seeds. 10 gr.s. 

Mix in half a teacupfui of 
slippery elm tea, and give night 
and morning. 

Disinfectant Lotion for Cattle. 
Bromo-Chloralum (Til- 
den's) 1 oz. 

Water 8 ozs. 

Ointment for Lice on Cattle. 
Strong Mercurial Ointment 1 oz. 
Lard 6 ozs. 

Mix. Apply well, on wherever 
the animal cannot lick it off. 



CHAPTEE XVI. 

List op Vetekinaby Drugs, with a Synopsis of their Medical 
Pkoperties akd Doses. 

Acid, Acetic. — Only used externally as an ingredient in 
cooling lotions. 

Acid, Carbolic. — Antiseptic, disinfectant, and escharotic, 
externally, and stimulant internally. Dose, 10 drops, 
largelj'^ diluted in water. 

Acid, Muriatic. — In small doses. Tonic, dose 1 drachm, 
diluted with water. 

Acid, Nitric. — Externally escharotic, internally tonic. Dose, 
1 to 2 drachms, largely diluted in water. 

Acid, Hydrocyanic ; Prussic Acid Medicinally.— Used as a 
sedative to reduce the action of the heart. Dose, 20 to 
30 drops, administered with caution. 

Acid, Pyroxylic ; Medicinally Naphtha. — Narcotic and ex- 
pectorant. Dose, I ounce. 

Acid, Phosphoric. — Tonic used in diabetes. Dose, 1 ounce. 

Acid, Sulphuric. — Caustic, only used externally. 

Acid, Tannic. — Astringent. Dose, 20 to 30 grains. 

Aconite ; Monkshood. — Poisonous in largo doses. Used 
medicinally sedative, anti-spasmodic and anodyne. It is 
generally given as a tincture of the root. Dose, 15 to 
20 drops. 

Alcohol. — Stimulant. Dose, 2 to 6 ounces. 

Aloes. — Barbadoes is the kind of this drug which is gen- 
erally used in veterinary practice. Its action is cathar- 
tic in large doses, and tonic in small. Dose, 2 to 6 
drachms. For a foal, give 5 grains for every week of 
its age. 

Ai.uM. — Irritant, ai^tringent and sedative. Dose, 2 to 4 
drachms. 



120 LIST OF VETERINARY DRUGS. 

Ammonia, Liquor of ; Spirit of Hartshorn. — Tnternally stim- 
ulant, anti-spasniodic ;ind alexipliarmic ; exiernally irri- 
tant. Dose, 2 to 6 drachms. 

Ammonia, Aromatic Spirit of ; Sal Volatile. — Medical prop- 
erties bear a close resemblance to the Liquor. It is a 
weaker preparation. Dose, 4 to 8 drachms. 

Ammonia, Cakb )Nate of. — Antacid and stimulant. Dose, 2 
to 4 drachms. 

Ammonia, Muriate of ; Sal Ammoniac. — Only used exter- 
nally. Dissolved in water as a lotion. 

Ammoniacum, Gum. — Stimulant, anti-spasmodic and expec- 
torant. Dosn, 4 to 8 drachms. 

Aniseseed. — Stomachic and carminative. Dose, 1 drachm. 

Antimony, Sulphuret of. — Alterative and anthelmintic. 
Dose, 2 drachms to 1 ounce. 

Antimony, Chloride of; Batter of Antimony. — Used exter- 
nally as a caustic. 

Antimony, Tartarized ; Tartar Emetic. — Febrifuge and an- 
thelmintic. Dose, 1 to 6 drachms. 

Arsenic, White. — Poisonous in large doses, and tonic in 
small ones, having also a peculiar effect on the skin. 
Dose, 5 to 10 grains. 

Arsenic, Fowler's Solution of, — Tonic and alterative. 
Dose, 40 to 50 drops 3 times a day. 

Arnica, Tincture of — Only used externally as a lotion. 

Asafoetida, Gum. — Stimulant, carminative and vermifuge. 
Dose, 2 drachms, 

Asclepidin ; Active principal of Pleurisy Root. — Tonic, 
diaphoretic, expectorant, carminative, diuretic and anti- 
spasmodic. Dose, 10 to 50 grains. 

Belladonna ; Deadly Nightshade, — A narcotic acrid poison 
in large doses ; in small ones anodyne and anti-spas- 
modic. Dose, 2 ounces of the powdered leaves. Tinc- 
ture, 2 to 4 drachms. 

Balsam of Copaiba. Diuretic and expectorant. Dose, 2 
to 3 drachms. 



LIST OF VETERINARY DRUGS. 121 

Broiio Chloralum. — Powerful deodorizer, disinfectant and 
anti-septic. Used externally as a lotion to foul wounds, 
1 ounce to half a gallon of water. For wash for diseases 
to swab the mouth and nostrils, 1 ounce to 8 of water. 

Camphor, Gum. — Stimulant, sedative and anti-spasmodic. 
Dose, 1 to 4 drachms. 

Cantharides ; Spanish Flies. — Should only be used exter- 
nally as an ingredient in blistering- ointments. 

Capsicum ; Cayenne Pepper. — Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 2 
drachms. 

Cascarilla, Bark of. — Tonic. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

Castor Oil. — Purgative. Dose, 1 pint. 

Catechu. — Astringent and anti-septic. Dose, 2 to 5 drachms. 

Chalk, Prepared. — Ant-acid and astringent. Dose, 1 to 2 
ounces. 

Chamomile Flowers. — Stomachic, carminative and tonic. 
Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

Charcoal. — Anti-septic. Used externally as an application 
to foul wounds. 

Chloroform. — Anaesthetic, stimulant and anti-spasmodic. 
Inhaled in doses of 2 to 4 ounces. Given internally, 
dose, I to 1 ounce. 

Cinchona ; Peruvian Bark. Astringent and tonic. Dose, 
1 to 3 ounces. 

CoLCHicuM ; Meadow Saffron. — Cathartic, diuretic and seda- 
tive. Dose, of the root or seeds, I to 2 drachms. 

Copper, Sulphate of. — Used externally as a caustic, inter- 
nally tonic and astringent. Dose, 1 to 2 drachms. 

Copper, Subacetate of ; Verdigris. — Poisonous. Only used 
as an external application. 

Creosote. — Sedative, anodyne, astringent and anti-septic. 
Dose, 10 to 30 drops. Used externally in skin diseases 
mixed with oil or lard, 1 drachm to 3 or 4 ounces. 

Croton Oil. — A powerful cathartic. Dose, 10 to 15 drops. 

Digitalis ; Foxglove. — Sedative and diuretic. It is one 
6 



122 LIST OF VETERINARY DRUGS. 

of those remedies which should alwaj's be administered 
with much caution, on account of its accumulatory ef- 
fects in the system, and of its being a powerful poison. 
Dose of the powdered leaves, 10 to 20 grains. Tincture, 
40 to 50 drops. 

Ether, Solphdric. — Stimulant, narcotic and anti-spasmodic. 
Dose, 1 to 3 ounces. 

Galls. — Astringent. Dose, 4 to 6 drachms. 

Gentian. — Stomachic and tonic. Dose, 4 to 8 drachms. 

Ginger. — Stomachic and carminative. Dose, 1 ounce. 

Glycerine. — An emolient. External application. 

Gums, Arabic and Tragacanth. — Used for making soothing 
mucilaginous emulsion. Dose, 1 ounce dissolved in water. 

Iodine.— Kesol vent. Dose, 1 to 1| drachms. Externally 
it is applied in the form of tincture. 

Iodide of Potassium. — Alterative, diuretic and resolvent. 
Dose, 2 to 4 drachms. 

Iron, Sulphate of. — Astringent and tonic. Dose, 1 to 3 
drachms. 

Iron, Iodide of. — Tonic and resolvent. Dose, 10 grains to 
1 drachm. 

Iron, Muriated Tincture of. — Tonic, astringent and diure- 
tic. Dose, 1 to 11 ounces, diluted in water. 

Juniper Berries. — Carminative and diuretic. Dose, 1 to 
3 ounces. 

Lead, Acetate of. — Asti'ingent and sedative. Dose, 20 to 
60 grains. 

Lead, Iodide of. — Epispastic. Only used externally as an 
ingredient in ointments. 

Lead, Nitrate of. — Anti-bromic and anti-septic. Only used 
externally as a wash for diseases of the skin. 

Linseed ; Flax seeds. — Used for food in quantities of 4 to 
6 ounces. 

Linseed Oil. — Purgative. Dose, 1 to 2 pints. 

Lobelia. — Expectorant, sedative and anti-spasmodic. Dose, 
1 to 2 drachms. 



LIST OF VETERINARY DRUTiS. 123 

Magnesia, Sulphate of; Epsom salts. — Cathartic and diure- 
tic. Dose, 1 to 2 pounds. 

Matico, Leaves of, — Externally styptic (^ ounce to boiling 
water 1 pint). 

Mercury, Ammonio Chloride of ; White Precipitate. — Used 
as a local application to kill lice. 

Mercury, Bichloride of ; Corrosive Sublimate. — A powerful 
poison. Used as a caustic and ing-redient in liniments. 

Mercury, Subchloride of ; Calomel. — Purgative, alterna- 
tive and anti-phlogistic. Dose, 20 grains to 1 drachm. 

Mercury, Biniodide of. — Only used externally as an in- 
gi'edient in sweating blister ointments. 

Mercurial Ointment. — Used externally to kill lice and for 
mange. 

Nux Vomica ', Strychnos. — Tonic used in paralysis. Dose 
of fluid extract, 50 to 100 drops ; solid extract, 2 to 8 
grains. 

Opium. — Stimulant, narcotic and anodyne. Dose, 1 to 2 
drachms. Tincture, | to 1 ounce. 

Potass, Acetate of. — Diuretic and deobstruant. Dose, 5 
to 10 drachms. 

Potass. — Caustic. Only used externally as a caustic. 

Potass, Carbonate of. — Antacid. Dose, 1 to 5 drachms. 

Potass, Chlorate of. — Refrigerant and diuretic. Dose, 3 
to 5 drachms. 

Potass, Nitrate of; Saltpetre. — Diuretic and febrifuge. 
Dose, 6 to 8 drachms. 

Potass, Permanganate of. — Anti-bromic and disinfectant. 
Only used externally as a wash for diseases of the skin 

Potass, Liquob of. — Stimulant, Dose, | to 1 ounce. 

Rosin. — Diuretic. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

Savin, Oil of. — Anthelmintic. Dose, 20 to 50 drops. 

Santonine. — Anthelmintic. Dose, |' to 1 drachm. 

Sangiunaria ; Bloodroot.— Stimulant, expectorant and al- 
terative. Dose, 1 to 3 drachms. 



124 LItT OF VETERINARY DRUGS. 

Silver, Nitrate of. — Externally caustic, and used in solu- 
tion for diseases of the eye. 

Sodium, Chloride of ; Common salt. — Give at pleasure. 

Sodium, Biborate of. — Borax. Used as a wash for diseases 
of the eye. 

Spigelia ; Pink Root. — Anthelmintic. Dose, ^ ounce. 

Squills. — Expectorant and diuretic. Dose, 10 to 50 grains. 

Stramonium ; Thorn Apple seeds. — Alterative and diuretic. 
Dose, 1 ounce every third day. 

Sulphur. — Alterative. Used in diseases of the skin. Dose, 
2 ounces every day. 

Sweet Spirit of Nitre. — Diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-spas- 
modic and stimulant. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

Tar. — Used externally as an ingredient in ointments. 

Turpentine, Spirits of. — Anti-spasmodic, diuretic and anthel- 
mintic. Dose, I to 1 ounce. 

UvA Ursi. — Astringent, tonic and diuretic. Dose, 2 to 3 
drachms. 

Veratrum Album ; White Hellebore. — Sedative. Dose, 20 
to 30 grains. 

Veratrum Viride ; American Hellebore. — Sedative and fe- 
brifuge. Dose of fluid extract, 30 to 50 drops. 

Wild Yam. — Active principal of (Dioscorea) anti-spas- 
modic. Dose, 20 to 40 grains. 

Zinc, Acetate of. — Dissolved in water to form a wash for 
diseases of the eye. 

Zinc, Carbonate of. — Used externally as an ingredient in 
ointments. 

Zinc, Chloride of. — Used externally caustic and anti-septic. 

Zinc, Oxide of. — Used externally as an ingredient in oint- 
ments. 

Zinc, Sulphate of. — Dissolved in water to form a wash for 
diseases of the eye. 

Zinc, Tannate of. — Dissolved in water to form a wash for 
diseases of the eye. 



CHAPTER XVn. 

Definitions of Terms Denoting the Properties of Remedial Agents. 

Absorbent. — Neutralizing acid or irritant substances in the 
stomach. 

Alexipharmic. — Antidote to poison. 

Alterative. — An agent considered to be capable of produc- 
ing a salutary change in a disease. 

Anaesthetic. — Having the power of producing insensibility 
to pain. 

Anodyne. — A drug giving ease in pain, as opium, bella- 
donna, chloroform, &c. 

Ant-acid. — Agents that neutralize acids. 

Anthelmintic. — A remedy which destroys or expels worms, 
or prevents their formation and development. 

Anti-lithic. — Tending to cure stone or gravel. 

Anti-bromic. — A destroyer of offensive odors. 

Anti-phlogistic. — A remedy to allay fever and inflammation. 

Anti-septic. — A preventer of putrefaction. 

Anti- spasmodic . — Allaying spasms. 

Anti-toxic. — Antidoting poison. 

Anti-zymotic. — Opposed to fermentation. 

Aperient. — A gentle purgative. 

Astringent. — Contracting organic texture. 

Carminative. — Eemedies causing the expulsion of wind. 

Cathartic. — A medicine which, when taken internally, in- 
ci-eases the number of discharges from the bowels. 

Cauterant. — A substance used for firing or disorganizing 
the parts to which it is applied. 

Corroborant. — Any substance which strengthens. 

Counter-irritant. — An irritation excited in a part of the body 
to relieve disease in another part. 



126 



DEFINITION OF TERMS, ETC. 



Demulcent. — Soothing. 

Deohslruent. — A medicine given with the view of removing 
obstructions. 

JDejDurative. — Removing impurities from and purifying the 
fluids of the body. 

Detergents. — Medicines which possess the power to cleanse 
wounds, ulcers, &c. 

Diaphoretic. — A medicine which excites perspiration. 

Diluent. — A drink which dilutes the liquids of the body. 

Discutient. — Medicines which possess the power of repel- 
ling morbid swellings. 

Diuretic. — Increasing the secretion of urine. 

Disinfectant. — Destroying the causes of infection. 

Drastic. — Active, applied to purgatives. 

Emetic. — A substance capable of producing vomiting. 

Emollient. — Substances which relax and soften parts that 
are inflamed. 

Epispastic. — Irritating, blistering. 

Errhine. — Exciting a discharge from the nose. 

Escharotic. — A caustic destroyer of the flesh. 

Expectorant. — Promoting mucous discharges from the air 
passages and lungs. 

Febrifuge. — A medicine which possesses the property of 
subduing or driving away fever. 

Hcemostalic. — An-esting the flow of blood. 

Hepatic. — Promoting a healthy action of the liver. 

Hypnotic. — A remedy producing sleep or stupor. 

Irritant. — That which causes soreness and inflammation. 

Laxative. — A medicine which gently opens the bowels, a 
mild purgative. 

Lenitive. — Applied to gentle remedies which allays irrita- 
tion or palliates disease. 

Lilliontriplic. — A solvent of stone in the bladder. 

Narcotic. — Substances which have the property of produc- 
ing sleep or stupor. 



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 127 

Nervine. — A medicine that soothes nervous excitement. 

Nutritive. — Nourishing. 

Pectoral. — Medicines for relieving' diseases of the lungs. 

Prophylactic. — A preservative or preventive of disease. 

Refrigerant. — A cooling medicine. 

Resolvent. — Allaying inflammation and dispersing morbid 
swellings. 

Rubefacient. — A medicine which causes redness of the skin. 

Sedative. — Medicines which dii-ectly diminish vital actions. 

Silagogue. — That which increases the secretion of saliva. 

Sorbefacient. — A remedy that promotes absorption. 

Soporific. — Medicines inducing sleep. 

Spastic. — Producing involuntary muscular contraction. 

Spinant. — Acting upon the spinal marrow. 

Stimulant. — A medicine which increases vital action. 

Stomachic. — A medicine which causes a healthful action 
of the stomach. 

Styptic. — Arresting the flow of blood ; an external astrin- 
gent. 

Sudorific. — A medicine which provokes sweating. ♦ 

Suppurant. — That which facilitates suppuration. 

Tonic. — Producing a permanent increase in the rigor of 
the system. 

Vermifuge. — Expelling worms. 

Vesicant. — Producing blisters. 

Vulnerary. — Favoring the healing of wounds. 



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

The weights and measures used by physicians, veter- 
inary surgeons and apothecaries in the United States when 
prescribing and preparing medicines are the following : 

APOTHECARIES' WEIGHTS. 
These are derived from the Troy pound, and are ex- 



128 WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

bibited in the following talJle with their signs by which 
they arc denoted annexed : 

20 grains (gr.) make 1 scruple. Signs, sc. or B. 

3 scruples " 1 drachm. " dr. or 3. 

8 dracbms " 1 ounce. " oz. or §. 

12 ounces " 1 pound. " lb. 

APOTHECARIES' MEASURES. 
These are derived from the wine gallon, and are given 
in the following table with their signs by which they are 
denoted annexed. 

60 minims (m) make 1 fluidrachra. Signs, flds or f3, 

8 fluidrachms " 1 fluidounce. " floz. or f| . 

16 fluidounces " 1 pint. " pt. or 0. 

8 pints " 1 gallon. " gall, orcong, 

APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENT. 
A teacup is estimated to contain about 4 fluidounces. 
i A wineglass " " " 2 " 

A tablespoon of liquid is estimated to contain i a fluidounce. 

" of powdered roots or bark " 2 drachms. 

A teaspoon of liquid is estimated to contain 1 fluidrachm. 
" of powdered roots or bark " | a drachm. 

" " chemicals " froniGO to 120 grs. 

A drop of water or watery fluids is equivalent to 1 minim. 
" oils and tinctures " | " 

" chloroform and sulphuric ether " | " 

MEASURES OF LENGTH. 
1 line, the 12th part of an inch. 
A hand- (horse measure), 4 inches. 
A span, 10| inches. 



INDEX. 



■^' PAGE. 

Ass, not a horse degenerated. 2 

Acute Inflammation 27 

" Treatment for 28 

Acute Laminltis, or Fever in 

the Feet 35 

Acute Laminitis, Cause of 35 

" Treatment for.. 36 

Abraded Wounds 45 

Amaurosis, or Palsy of the Op- 
tic Nerve 53 

Albuminous Urine 101 

Attention to the Feeding of 

Horses 19 

Alteratives 109 

Antcsthetics 109 

Anodynes 110 

Antiseptics 110 

Antizymotics Ill 

Anthilmintics Ill 

Aperients Ill 

Astringents; 112 

Apothecaries' Weights 127 

" Measures 128 

Approximate Measurement... 128 

B. 

Bleeding 28 

" Place and Manner of. 29 

Bone Spavin 38 

'< Cause of. 38 

" Treatment for.... 39 

Bog Spavin and Thorough-pin. 42 



PAGE. 

Blind Staggers 59 

" Cause of. 60 

" Treatment for., 60 

Bleeding at the Nose 66 

Bronchocele 72 

" Treatment for. ... 73 

Bronchitis 73 

" Cause of. 74 

" Treatment for 75 

Bloody Urine loo 

Bots 82 

" How Produced in the 

" Horse 83 

" In the Sheep 84 

Balanitis loi 

Blisters 112 

C. 

Cruel Punishments 22 

Causes of Disease 13 

Civilization, not necessary to 

have good Horses 13 

Chronic Inflammation 30 

" Progress of.. . 30 

" Causes of. 30 

" Treatment for 30 

Cracked Hoofs 31 

" Cause of 31 

" Treatment for. 32 

Corns 35 

" Treatment for 35 

Curb 41 

" Treatment for 41 



130 



Capped Koee 42 

Capped Hocks 42 

Capped Elbow . •. 42 

Cataract 52 

" Treatment for 52 

Catarrh 67 

" Epidemic 69 

" Causes of 68 

" Treatment for 69 

Cough 71 

Colic 89 

" Spasmodic 89 

" Flatulent 90 

Calculi 99 

Contused Wounds 45 

Crib-biting 81 

Caustics 112 

Clysters 113 

D. 
Dental Formula of the Genus 

Equus 1 

Diseased Sire and Dam 13 

Dark Stables 19 

Dislocations 49 

" Causes of 49 



" Treatment for 

Dyspepsia 

Dysentery 91 

Diseases of the Heart 80 

" " Pericarditis... 80 

Dropsy of the Heart 80 

Heart Clot 80 

Hypertrophy 81 

of the Abdomen 93 

" Cause of 93 

" Treatment for 94 

Diabetes 100 

Demulcents 113 

Diaphoretics 113 

Diuretics 113 

Definitions of terms denoting 



the Properties of Remedial 
Agents 125 

E. 

Exposure 23 

Enteritis 87 

Eyes, the Diseases of 60 

Embrocations .* 144 

Expectorants 114 

F. 

Food and Drink 19 

False Quarter 33 

" Treatment for,. 33 

Fistula 43 

" Cause of. 43 

" Treatment for 43 

Feet, Diseases of 31 

Fractures 50 

" Treatment for 50 

Fevers, Simple 102 

" Typhoid i03 

" Causes of 103 

" Treatment for 104 

Farcy 105 

Febrifuges 115 

G. 

Glanders— Farcy 105 

" Causes of 105 

« Treatment for 106 

Gleet, Nasal 67 

H. 

Hinny, how Produced 1 

Horse, of Scripture 1 

" First Domesticated 3 

" In Arabia 4 

History of the Ancient Egyp- 
tian Horse 6 

History of the Grecian Horse . 7 
" " Roman Horse.. 8 
" of Great Britain 9 



131 



History of Messenger 11 

How to Prevent Disease 13 

Hemorrhage from the Lungs. . 66 

Hydrothorix 78 

" Treatment for... 78 

Heart, Diseases of. 80 

Hoofs, Craclied 31 

Heaves 78 

Hydrophobia, or Rabies 97 

" Causes of 98 

" Symptoms of.. 98 

" Treatment for.. 98 

Haematuria, or Bloody Urine . . 100 

I. 

In-and-in-Breeding IG 

Inflammations in General 25 

'• Varieties of.... 25 
" Constitutional 

Causes of 25 

" Local Causes of. 26 

Inflammation of the Vein 44 

" " Treat- 
ment for.. 44 
" of the Bowels.... 87 
" " Causes of 87 
'« " Treatment for 88 
Inflammation of the Bladder. . 98 

Treatment for 98 

Inflammation of the Kidneys. . 95 

Incised Wounds 45 

Idiopathic Tetanus 62 

Injuries 38 



Joints, Sprains of. 48 

" Synovial Open 44 

K. 

Knee, Capped 42 

L. 



Laminitis, Acute 35 

Lampass, Treatment for 107 

Laryngitis 70 

" Cause of. 70 

" Treatment for 70 

Lotions 115 

List of Veterinary Drugs, with 
a Synopsis of their Medical 

Properties and Doses 119 

M. 

Mules, How Produced 1 

" A Natural Hybrid 4 

Modern Horse of the United 

States 10 

Mare, Feeding of while with 

Foal 14 

Mange 53 

Mallenders and Sallenders, ... 56 

Megrims, or Epilepsy 58 

Mad Staggers 61 

Madness 97 

Marks of Age 107 

Measures of Length 128 

N. 
Natural History of the Genus 

Equus 1 

Noxious Vapors 18 

Nicking and Docking 21 

Navicular Disease 37 

" Causes of 37 

" Symptoms of. 37 

" Treatment for 37 

Nasal Gleet 67 

" Its Causes and 

Treatment 67 

Nephritis 95 

Nose, Diseases of 69 

" Bleeding at 66 

0. 

Lacerated Wounds 45 Occult Spavin 41 



132 



Open Synovial Joints 

" " Causes 
and Treatment for 

Obstructions in the Lachrymal 
Duct 

Opthalmia, Simple 

" Specific 

Osseous Deposits 

Over-reach 



441 



Place to feel the Pulse 

Progress and Terminations of 

Inflammation 

Pumice Foot 

« Causes and Treat- 
ment for 

Poll-evil 

" Treatment for 

Phrenitis 

" Causes of and Treat- 
ment for. 

Paralysis , 

Pneumonia ^ 

" Cause of 

" Symptoms of. 

" Treatment for 

Pleurisy 

" Treatment for 

Punctured "Wounds 

Profuse Stalling 

Prolapsus of the Rectum 

Paralysis of the Sphincter 

Muscle 

Prolapsus of the Uterus 



R. 

Roaring • 72 

Ring-Bone 40 

« Cause of. 40 

" Treatment for 40 



Q. 



Quarter Crack, 



Causes of 

Treatment for. 



Quarter, False. 



S. 

Subacute Inflammation 30 

Seedy Toe 33 

Subacute Laminitis 36 

" Treatment for 36 

Splint 40 

Strain of the Flexor Tendons, 

Treatment for 40 

Sprain of the Back Sinews, 

Treatment for 41 

Shoulder Sprain 48 

" Treatment for 48 

Strains of the Stifle 48 

" " Treatment for 49 

Strains of the Hip Joint 48 

Specific Opthalmia 51 

Simple Opthalmia SO 

" Treatment for 51 

SitFast 54 

Swelled Leg 55 

" Treatment for.. . 56 

Scratches 56 

" Treatment for 57 

Sleepy Staggers 61 

String Halt 65 

" Causes of. 65 

Sun-Stroke 65 

Sore Throat 70 

Stomach, the Diseases of 81 

Spasms of the Diaphragm 79 

32 Skin, the Diseases of. 53 

32 Stimulants 116 

32 Stomachics 116 

33 Styptics 116 



133 



T. 

Tread and Over-ReaCh 34 

" " Cause of 34 
" " Treat- 

ment for 34 

Thrush, Cause of 34 

" Treatment for 35 

Tumors 54 

Tendons 40 

" Diseases of 40 

Throat, Diseases of 66 

Toe, Seedy 33 

Tetanus, or Lockjaw 62 

" " Idiopathic 62 

" « Traumatic 62 

" " Causes of.. 62 

" " Treatment for 63 

Tonics 116 



U. 



Urinary Organs, The Diseases of 95 



Vein, Inflammation of the 44 



w. 

Wind Galls 42 



Wounds, Varieties of 45 

" Incised 11 

" Punctured 11 

" Lacerated 11 

" Contused 11 

Wounds, Modes of Healing. ... 45 
" Healing by Immediate 

Union 46 

" Healing by Primary 

Adhesions 11 

" Healing by Granula- 
tions 11 

" Healing by Secondary 

Adhesions 11 

" Healing under a Scab 46 

" Treatment for 47 

" To Stop Bleeding.... 47 
" To Remove Foreign 
and Irritating Bod- 
ies 47 

" To Bring the Divided 

Parts into Union... 47 

" To Promote Adhesions 47 

Warts 54 

Withers, Fistulous 43 

Worms 85 

" Treatment for 86 

Weights and Measures 127 



VETERINARY PRACTICE, 

BEING 

AN ACCURATR AND DETAILED ACCOUNT 

OP THE 

farious diseases ta to^klj % porse is JiaMe, 



TOGETHER WITH 



THE LATEST MODE OF TEEATMENT. 



TO WHICH IS ADDED 

AN APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING VETERINARY PHARMACOPODIA AND VETERINARY 
MATERIA MEDIC A. 



W^RITTEN IN PLAIN ENGLISH, 
BY 

JAMES A. WILLIS, V. S. 



•Ncto Yorfe: 
I Thomas Holman, Printer, corner of Centre and White Streets. 

1872. 












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